Salted Caramel Starbucks Cupcakes

Enjoy the rich and sweet flavors of Salted Caramel Cupcakes that are based on Starbucks. The salted caramel frosting on top of these moist and tasty cupcakes makes them a great treat for anyone who likes coffee and caramel.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• For the salted caramel frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream if needed
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and line a cupcake pan with paper liners

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt

Set aside

In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition

Stir in the vanilla extract

Alternate adding the dry ingredients mixture and the milk to the butter-sugar mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients

Mix until just combined

Stir in the brewed coffee and caramel sauce until the batter is smooth and well incorporated

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely

For the salted caramel frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy

Add the caramel sauce and sea salt, mixing until well combined

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy

If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the salted caramel frosting using a piping bag or a spatula

Drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle with sea salt flakes for garnish

Serve and enjoy your homemade Salted Caramel Starbucks Cupcakes!