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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - ½ cup buttermilk - 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt To make these cupcakes, start with the main ingredients. All-purpose flour gives the cupcakes their structure. The granulated sugar adds sweetness. Softened unsalted butter provides a nice creaminess. Eggs help bind everything together. Buttermilk adds moisture and richness. Instant coffee granules deliver that strong coffee flavor. Baking powder and baking soda are your leavening agents. Finally, a pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract For the frosting, cream cheese is key. It adds a tangy flavor and creaminess. Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting without being grainy. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the taste. This frosting is smooth and easy to spread. - ½ cup caramel sauce The topping is simple: caramel sauce. Drizzling this over the frosted cupcakes adds a sweet finish. It also looks great and makes each bite even more delightful. By gathering these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious cupcake that brings the coffee shop experience to your home! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. - In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, and 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules. Whisk them well and set aside. - In a large bowl, cream ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. - Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. - With the mixer on low, add the dry mixture in thirds, alternating with ½ cup of buttermilk. Start with dry, then buttermilk, ending with dry. Mix until just combined. - Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full. - Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. - Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. To ensure even baking, always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting. This helps the cupcakes rise evenly. Also, try rotating your cupcake pan halfway through baking. This can prevent hot spots in your oven. Checking for doneness is easy. Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If not, give them a couple more minutes. Perfecting cream cheese frosting is all about the right texture. Make sure your cream cheese is soft. This helps it mix well with the sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s creamy and smooth. For piping or spreading, use a piping bag or spatula. If you want swirls, use a round tip for a fun look. You can also create peaks for extra style. These cupcakes pair wonderfully with coffee or your favorite hot drink. The rich flavors complement each other nicely. For a stunning presentation, place the cupcakes on a nice platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the flavors. Enjoy these sweet treats at a gathering or as a special dessert! {{image_4}} You can make these cupcakes even more fun! Try adding chocolate or mocha flavor. Mix in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. This will give your cupcakes a rich chocolate taste. You can also use chocolate syrup in the batter for extra flavor. Seasonal variations are great too. For fall, add pumpkin spice to the batter. In winter, use peppermint extract for a festive twist. These changes can make your cupcakes fit any season! If you need gluten-free cupcakes, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free baking blend instead. This will keep the texture light and fluffy. For vegan options, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Use almond milk in place of buttermilk. Make sure to check that the caramel sauce is vegan too! You can change the frosting for different tastes. Try a classic buttercream if you want something sweeter. Just whip together softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. If you prefer something lighter, use whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add sugar to taste. This will give your cupcakes a lovely airy finish! To keep your leftover cupcakes fresh, store them in a tightly sealed container. You can use a plastic cupcake carrier or a glass jar. Make sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before sealing them. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make them soggy. Yes, you can freeze cupcakes! To freeze them for best results, first, cool them completely. Then, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Cupcakes can last about three days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Signs of spoilage include a dry texture or mold. If they smell off or look strange, it's best to toss them. To boost the coffee flavor in your cupcakes, increase the amount of instant coffee granules. Start by adding an extra tablespoon or two. Mix it well into your dry ingredients. This change will give your cupcakes a richer coffee taste without overpowering the other flavors. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Yes, you can use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules. Replace the water or buttermilk in your recipe with brewed coffee. Use the same amount to keep the balance. This swap will give your cupcakes a deep coffee flavor. Just ensure the coffee is strong and cooled before mixing to avoid altering the batter's texture. If your cupcakes turn out dense, a few tips can help. First, check your measurements. Using too much flour can weigh down the batter. Also, avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined for the best texture. Lastly, ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. These leavening agents help your cupcakes rise and stay fluffy. This post covered all you need to know to bake delicious coffee cupcakes. You learned about key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips. I shared variations and storage tips to help you customize and preserve your treats. Don't forget about the frosting and topping for added flavor! With these simple guidelines, you can create cupcakes perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the baking journey and impress others with your skills!

Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes

Indulge in the rich flavors of Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes that blend coffee and sweetness into a perfect treat. With a fluffy cupcake base, creamy frosting, and a drizzle of decadent caramel, these cupcakes are sure to impress! Follow our step-by-step recipe to create these delightful desserts that pair perfectly with your favorite coffee. Click through to explore the full recipe and add a touch of gourmet to your baking!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons instant coffee granules

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

½ cup caramel sauce (for drizzling on top)

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners to prepare for the batter.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant coffee granules until well combined. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color (about 3-4 minutes).

        Add Eggs and Vanilla: Introduce the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the pure vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

          Combine Ingredients: With the mixer on low, gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start by adding about a third of the dry mixture, followed by half the buttermilk, repeat this process, and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

            Fill Cupcake Liners: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full to allow room for rising.

              Bake: Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

                Cool the Cupcakes: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. Gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely while you prepare the frosting.

                  Make the Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the additional vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is creamy and smooth, with no lumps remaining.

                    Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, utilize a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting, creating swirls or peaks as you desire.

                      Add Caramel Drizzle: Finish by drizzling a luscious caramel sauce over each frosted cupcake. This adds a beautiful touch and enhances the flavors!

                        Serve: Relish your delightful Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite beverage for the ultimate treat!

                          Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 12 cupcakes