Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. These moist, rich chocolate cupcakes are topped with a smooth caramel frosting, crunchy pecans, and a sprinkle of coconut for added texture and flavor. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create these decadent treats, along with tips and variations to make them your own.
Ingredients:
- For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water or coffee (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
- For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth. Fold in the mini chocolate chips if using.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Caramel Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating with a hand mixer or whisk until the frosting is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Allow the frosting to cool for a few minutes before spreading or piping it onto the cooled cupcakes.
- Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the caramel frosting using a spoon, spatula, or piping bag.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans and toasted coconut (if using) over the top of each cupcake.
- For an extra touch, drizzle any leftover caramel sauce over the top of the cupcakes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the caramel pecan chocolate cupcakes at room temperature, and enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips and Variations:
- Salted Caramel: For a salted caramel twist, add an extra pinch of sea salt to the frosting or sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the cupcakes.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try using walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts instead.
- Chocolate Ganache Filling: For an extra indulgence, fill the cupcakes with chocolate ganache before frosting. Simply hollow out a small portion of the center of each cupcake and spoon in the ganache.
- Different Frosting: If you prefer, you can top these cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream for a different flavor combination.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
Conclusion
Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cupcakes are a decadent and satisfying treat that combines rich chocolate with smooth caramel, crunchy pecans, and a hint of coconut. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in something sweet, these cupcakes are sure to delight. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious treats with your loved ones!