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Homemade Mocha Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting photo

Mocha Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

Indulge in these Mocha Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting! A rich chocolatey base paired with creamy, salty frosting makes for a delightful treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz.)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 box instant chocolate pudding
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Paper Liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping Bag

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, canola oil, whole milk, sour cream, instant chocolate pudding, espresso powder, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or electric mixer on medium speed to mix until well combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
  4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  5. Step 5: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and sea salt. Mix until combined and fluffy.
  6. Step 6: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the salted caramel frosting.
  7. Step 7: Finish off your cupcakes by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the frosted tops.

Notes

  • Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Do not overmix the cupcake batter; mix just until combined.
  • Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.