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Salted Caramel Valentine’s Bites are the perfect balance of sweet and salty decadence. These moist caramel cupcakes are topped with a luscious salted caramel frosting and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an indulgent treat.
Ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion, these bite-sized cupcakes are love at first bite
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: Combines rich caramel with a touch of salt for an irresistible flavor.
- Moist and Tender: The cupcake base is soft and full of caramel goodness.
- Elegant Presentation: Flaky sea salt adds a gourmet finishing touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bite-sized treats are ideal for celebrations or gifting.
- Customizable: Adjust the salt level or drizzle with extra caramel for added flair.
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Valentine’s Bites
- Hot Chocolate or Coffee: A warm drink pairs beautifully with the caramel flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fruity complement.
- Champagne: Sparkling wine elevates this dessert for a romantic evening.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside for an extra indulgent treat.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Another sweet-and-salty pairing to enhance the theme.
Pro Tip Before Starting
Use room-temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth batter and frosting consistency.
Salted Caramel Valentine’s Bites
Decadent caramel cupcakes topped with salted caramel frosting and finished with flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet-and-salty bite.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- For the Salted Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus extra for garnish)
Optional Garnish:
- Drizzle of caramel sauce
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the caramel sauce and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream as needed, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the flaky sea salt.
- Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch. Add heart-shaped sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce: Make your caramel for a richer flavor. Simply heat sugar, butter, and cream until thickened.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and vegan caramel sauce.
- Extra Flair: Add a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a glamorous touch.
Pro Tip After Baking
Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling over the frosting for a glossy caramel drizzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
How can I make the cupcakes more caramel-flavored?
Add an extra tablespoon of caramel sauce to the batter for a bolder caramel taste.
What if my frosting is too runny?
Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Wrapping it up
Salted Caramel Valentine’s Bites are a decadent and irresistible dessert that’s perfect for celebrating love and special moments.
With their moist caramel base, rich frosting, and touch of sea salt, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a sweet-and-salty treat that’s full of charm!
