Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of dark chocolate cupcakes paired with a luscious salted caramel buttercream. These cupcakes are a perfect combination of sweet and salty, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined

Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth

It will be thin, but that's okay

Stir in the chopped dark chocolate

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full

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

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the salted caramel buttercream

In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat

Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a boil

Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat

Stir in the sea salt flakes and vanilla extract

Allow the caramel to cool for about 15-20 minutes

In a mixing bowl, beat the powdered sugar and caramel mixture until smooth and creamy

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the salted caramel buttercream on top of each cupcake

You can garnish with additional sea salt flakes or chocolate shavings if desired

Enjoy your delicious dark chocolate cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream!