WARNING: These cupcakes are addicting! :)
These cupcakes are so delicious and inspired by some AMAZING salted-caramel cupcakes I had when visiting NY. I found this recipe at Sprinkle Bakes, but I made some of my own tweaks to it! But check out her complete recipe and directions--she puts in a caramel filling that I didn't do! These are great to bring to parties and potlucks---everyone will love them and be amazed at the fun design.
Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick of salted butter, softened
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
Makes about 15 cupcakes. Preheat oven to 325. Line muffin tins with papers.
Cream butter and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Add vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder, mix into batter gradually alternating with additions of buttermilk, and beating until combined after each.
Divide the batter evenly among the lined cups, filling each a little over halfway. Bake for about 25 minutes. Cool on wire rack
Salted Caramel Frosting:
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cubes salted butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
In a saucepan, mix together sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cook without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and slowly add in cream and vanilla, stirring until very smooth. Let caramel cool for about 20 minutes, until it is just barely warm and still pourable.
Beat butter until lightened and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar. Mix until thoroughly combined. Add the caramel mixture. Beat on medium high speed until fluffy and completely mixed (about 2 minutes). Mixture should be ready to use without refrigeration. If your caramel was too hot when added, it will cause your icing to be runny. If this happens refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
Swirly Hard-Caramel Toppers:
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
Lay out a large piece of parchment on your counter and spray with cooking oil. Prepare an ice bath by filling your sink or a baking pan with ice and water.
Combine sugar, salt and cold water in a saucepan; stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring syrup to a boil. Lower heat slightly and swirl the pan once or twice as the syrup caramelizes so it will color evenly; do not stir. When the caramel is deep amber (nice caramel color), remove from heat and plunge the base of the pan into ice bath for about 2 seconds (then remove) to stop further cooking.
WORK QUICKLY: get a spoonful of the caramel and drizzle it onto the parchment paper, move the spoon in a quick circular motion as the caramel falls off the spoon, keep it thin. Repeat 15 times--one for each cupcake (I usually do more so that I can choose what ones I want to use!) When caramel has cooled for a minute sprinkle sugar on top for some extra sparkle :) Let cool, remove from paper and adorn cupcakes.
Combine sugar, salt and cold water in a saucepan; stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring syrup to a boil. Lower heat slightly and swirl the pan once or twice as the syrup caramelizes so it will color evenly; do not stir. When the caramel is deep amber (nice caramel color), remove from heat and plunge the base of the pan into ice bath for about 2 seconds (then remove) to stop further cooking.
WORK QUICKLY: get a spoonful of the caramel and drizzle it onto the parchment paper, move the spoon in a quick circular motion as the caramel falls off the spoon, keep it thin. Repeat 15 times--one for each cupcake (I usually do more so that I can choose what ones I want to use!) When caramel has cooled for a minute sprinkle sugar on top for some extra sparkle :) Let cool, remove from paper and adorn cupcakes.
*when I say work quickly I mean it!!! :) The caramel will start to harden as it cools and will get difficult to work with, I usually recruit my lovely Hubby to help me so we can get it down FAST!!