These cupcakes are sure to be a hit, combining the classic sweetness of caramel with the fun and crunch of popcorn in a delightful handheld treat.
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Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Ingredients
Caramel Popcorn Cupcakes
- 1 and ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup caster sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel popcorn
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- ¼ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- ½ cup dulce de leche or tinned caramel
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
Buttercream
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 4 cups icing sugar. sifted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Toppings (optional)
- caramel sauce
- extra caramel popcorn
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F (177°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. (you may need two trays for this as the recipe will yield ~18 cupcakes)
- In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the sour cream, dulce de leche and vanilla and continue to beat until completely smooth and combined.
- Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl again. Lower the speed to medium-low and mix in the eggs, one at a time until just combined.
- Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients and beat just until combined, then add ½ of the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Continue mixing in ½ of the remaining dry ingredients, remaining buttermilk, then remaining dry ingredients. Remember to mix after each addition before adding the next.
- Pulse the caramel popcorn in a food processor until it forms very fine crumbs and add it to the batter. Fold until completely combined.
- Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- Allow to cool in pans for about 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- For The Buttercream: Beat the softened butter and salt until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add half of the icing sugar and beat on low speed until combined. Then add the remaining icing sugar and beat again.
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a piping bag to add the buttercream icing to the top. Drizzle each with a spoonful of caramel sauce and top with a generous amount of caramel popcorn. If desired, sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your caramel popcorn cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at room temperature and savour the delightful combination of moist cupcakes, rich caramel, and crunchy popcorn.
Video
Nutrition
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Other Recipes You May Also Enjoy:
- 💫The Original Baileys Cheesecake Recipe – Irish Cream No-Bake Cheesecake
- 💫Almond Butter Energy Balls Recipe
More about the author:
Hi there! My name is Maria, and I am a Registered Dietitian practising in Ireland and Bermuda. I have extensive experience in helping clients improve their health through the power of good nutrition. I hope you enjoyed this recipe. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Additionally, if there are nutrition topics or recipes you would like me to make in future posts, please let me know. I would be more than happy to help.
Stay happy and healthy 💚
Your Registered Dietitian
Maria xox
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