Indulge your sweet tooth with this creative spin on classic caramel corn. These caramel corn cupcakes blend the warm, buttery flavors of caramel with the light, fluffy texture of cupcakes for a unique dessert that's sure to impress.
Most ingredients for this recipe like sugar, butter, eggs, milk and flour are kitchen staples. However, there's one ingredient that may not be - vanilla bean. It's different from vanilla extract and carries a more potent flavor. You can find it in the spice section of a supermarket. Also, caramel sauce is used for the frosting and it can typically be found in the dessert toppings aisle.
Caramel Corn Cupcakes Ingredient List
Granulated sugar: A common sweetener used in baking.
Vanilla bean: A fragrant ingredient that gives a strong vanilla flavor.
Cake flour: A type of flour that gives the cupcakes a light and fluffy texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the recipe.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the cupcakes.
Eggs: Provide structure and stability in baking.
Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and creaminess to the cupcakes.
Vanilla extract: A baking essential that adds vanilla flavor.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
Butter: Used in the frosting for a creamy texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Caramel sauce: Gives the frosting a distinct sweet and buttery flavor.
One reader, Heddie Romine says:
These caramel corn cupcakes are a delightful treat! The combination of the rich caramel flavor and the crunch of the corn makes for a unique and delicious cupcake. The caramel buttercream frosting is the perfect finishing touch. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a sweet and indulgent treat!
Techniques Required for Making Caramel Corn Cupcakes
How to prepare the cupcake batter: Combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then mix them together until just combined. Fill cupcake liners and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
How to make the caramel buttercream frosting: Beat butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and caramel sauce. Beat until airy and thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
How To Make Caramel Corn Cupcakes
Sticky, luscious, and golden; these caramel corn cupcakes make the perfect creamy desserts! Enjoy bites of caramel and soft cake all in one sweet treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cupcakes:
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- 1vanilla bean
- 1¾cupscake flour
- 1½tspbaking powder
- ½tspbaking soda
- ½tspsalt
- ½cupunsalted butter,(1 stick), room temperature
- 2large eggs,room temperature
- ⅓cupGreek yogurt,or sour cream, avoid non-fat versions of either
- 1tbspvanilla extract
- ⅔cupwhole milk
For Caramel Buttercream Frosting:
- ¾cupbutter,(1½ sticks), room temperature
- 2cupspowdered sugar
- ½cupcaramel sauce
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare baking cup pans with about 15 cupcake liners.
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Add the granulated sugar and vanilla bean to the bowl of a stand mixer, and beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds until blended.
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Add in the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, and beat for an additional 1 minutes until well-mixed.
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Add the butter and mix on medium-low speed for about 2 minutes until well combined and a little crumbly.
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In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined.
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Slowly add the milk and mix on low speed until just combined. The batter will be very thin and liquid.
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Fill cupcake liners just over ½ full.
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Bake for 14 minutes and then test to see if they are done. They are done when a toothpick comes out without wet batter stuck to it.
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Remove and let cool on a cooling rack.
Caramel Buttercream Frosting:
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Beat the butter in the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes, until light in color and fluffy.
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Reduce the speed to low, add powdered sugar, and mix until completely incorporated. Turn off the mixer, and then add caramel.
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Beat frosting on low to combine, and then increase to medium-high and beat for about 2 minutes, until airy and thoroughly mixed. If the frosting is too thin, add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of powdered sugar to thicken.
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Once the cupcakes have reached room temperature, frost with the caramel frosting.
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Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate if not using immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 360.29kcal
- Fat: 16.82g
- Saturated Fat: 10.37g
- Trans Fat: 0.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.78g
- Carbohydrates: 50.02g
- Fiber: 0.37g
- Sugar: 29.95g
- Protein: 3.28g
- Cholesterol: 67.52mg
- Sodium: 214.01mg
- Calcium: 67.17mg
- Potassium: 56.42mg
- Iron: 1.39mg
- Vitamin A: 148.00µg
- Vitamin C: 0.03mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Caramel Corn Cupcakes
When making the caramel buttercream frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to beat and will result in a smoother, creamier frosting. Also, when adding the powdered sugar, do it gradually to avoid lumps. Lastly, don't rush the beating process. The more you beat the frosting, the fluffier and lighter it will become.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the caramel sauce and frosting a day in advance to save time on the day of baking.
Use store-bought caramel: If you're short on time, consider using store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Organize ingredients: Measure and organize all the ingredients before starting to streamline the baking process.
Invest in a good mixer: A stand mixer can significantly reduce the time and effort required for mixing the cupcake batter and frosting.
Bake in batches: If your oven can accommodate multiple cupcake pans, consider baking in batches to save time.
Multi-task: While the cupcakes are baking, use that time to prepare the frosting or clean up the kitchen to save time later.
Use a piping bag: Using a piping bag for frosting can help you achieve a professional look in less time compared to spreading the frosting with a knife.
Chill the frosting: If the kitchen is warm, chill the frosting for a few minutes to make it easier to pipe onto the cupcakes.
Substitute Ingredients For Caramel Corn Cupcakes Recipe
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to granulated sugar, and it adds a subtle caramel-like flavor to the cupcakes.
cake flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cake flour by reducing the amount slightly and adding a bit of cornstarch to mimic the lower protein content of cake flour.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a hint of coconut flavor to the cupcakes.
greek yogurt - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can add moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the cupcakes, similar to what Greek yogurt provides.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to whole milk, and it adds a subtle nutty flavor to the cupcakes.
butter - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it provides a similar creamy texture and flavor to the frosting.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar can be used as a natural alternative to powdered sugar, and it adds a hint of maple flavor to the frosting.
caramel sauce - Substitute with date caramel: Date caramel can be used as a healthier alternative to traditional caramel sauce, and it provides a natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor to the frosting.
Creative Ways to Present Caramel Corn Cupcakes
Elevate the cupcake: Place the cupcake on a delicate porcelain plate to showcase its elegance and sophistication. Add a dusting of edible gold leaf for a touch of luxury.
Incorporate height: Create a stunning display by arranging the cupcakes on a tiered crystal stand. This adds visual interest and allows each cupcake to stand out.
Garnish with caramel drizzle: Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the cupcakes, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
Use edible flowers: Adorn each cupcake with a delicate edible flower such as a pansy or viola to add a pop of color and a touch of whimsy.
Serve with a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Accompany the cupcakes with a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream to provide a contrasting temperature and texture, elevating the overall dessert experience.
Present on a marble platter: Showcase the cupcakes on a sleek marble platter to create a modern and sophisticated presentation that highlights the beauty of the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Caramel Corn Cupcakes
Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a versatile kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It typically comes with various attachments for different tasks and is great for making cake batters, frosting, and dough.
Baking cup pans: Baking cup pans are used to hold cupcake liners in place while baking cupcakes. They ensure that the cupcakes maintain their shape and prevent the batter from spreading out.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is a metal grid used to cool baked goods such as cupcakes. It allows air to circulate around the cupcakes, preventing them from becoming soggy as they cool.
Electric stand mixer: An electric stand mixer is a powerful kitchen appliance that can handle a variety of tasks, including mixing cake batters and making frosting. It is equipped with a stand and a mixing bowl, making it convenient for hands-free mixing.
Paddle attachment: The paddle attachment is a tool that can be used with a stand mixer. It is ideal for mixing cake batters and frostings, as it incorporates ingredients evenly without overmixing.
Small mixing bowl: A small mixing bowl is used for whisking together ingredients such as eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. It is convenient for preparing smaller portions of mixtures.
Toothpick: A toothpick is used to test the doneness of cupcakes. When inserted into the center of a cupcake, it should come out clean if the cupcakes are fully baked.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients. It is commonly used to combine wet ingredients such as eggs and yogurt for cupcake batter.
Storing and Freezing Caramel Corn Cupcakes
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you've already frosted the cupcakes with the caramel buttercream, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes:
- Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw frozen cupcakes, remove them from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- Once thawed, frost the cupcakes with the caramel buttercream and serve.
- Note: It's not recommended to freeze the cupcakes with the frosting, as the texture and appearance of the frosting may change upon thawing.
Random Fact about Caramel Corn Cupcakes
The caramel corn cupcakes recipe is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of caramel and corn in a delicious cupcake. It's a unique twist on the classic caramel flavor, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch to the cupcakes. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors and textures in their baked goods. Whether you're a fan of caramel, corn, or both, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering or event. Plus, they're a fun and creative way to enjoy a beloved snack in a new form.
Is Making Caramel Corn Cupcakes at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this caramel corn cupcakes recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. While caramel sauce and vanilla beans can be pricier, the remaining ingredients are commonly found in households. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its delightful taste and relatively low cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable choice for a special treat.
Are Caramel Corn Cupcakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The caramel corn cupcakes recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with granulated sugar in the cupcakes and powdered sugar and caramel sauce in the frosting. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
- The recipe uses butter and whole milk, which are high in saturated fats. While some fat is essential for a balanced diet, excessive saturated fat intake can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- The recipe is made with refined flour (cake flour), which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- The recipe lacks fruits, vegetables, or other nutrient-dense ingredients that could provide additional health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in both the cupcakes and the frosting. You can experiment with using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates to add sweetness with some added nutritional benefits.
- Replace some or all of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or coconut oil. These substitutions can help reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture and richness.
- Swap out some of the cake flour for whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour. These flours are higher in fiber, protein, and other nutrients, making the cupcakes more wholesome.
- Incorporate healthy add-ins like shredded carrots, zucchini, or chopped nuts to boost the nutrient content and provide additional texture and flavor.
- Top the cupcakes with a lighter frosting option, such as a whipped cream cheese frosting or a Greek yogurt-based frosting, to reduce the amount of sugar and fat in the topping.
Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Cupcakes
The combination of the rich caramel flavor in the cupcakes and the creamy caramel buttercream frosting creates a delightful treat that is sure to please any sweet tooth. The use of Greek yogurt in the cupcake batter adds a subtle tanginess and moistness, while the vanilla bean infuses a lovely aromatic flavor. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers, and the result is a decadent, indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Why trust this Caramel Corn Cupcakes Recipe:
This recipe uses caramel sauce made from scratch, ensuring a rich and authentic flavor. The combination of vanilla bean and caramel adds depth and complexity to the cupcakes. The use of Greek yogurt creates a moist and tender crumb, while the buttercream frosting is made with real butter and caramel sauce, guaranteeing a luscious and indulgent topping. The careful instructions and attention to detail in the preparation process demonstrate a commitment to quality and delicious results.
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