Name: Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 1 h 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix (or other chocolate cake mix); 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup bourbon; 3 large eggs; ½ cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar; ¼ cup milk; 3 cups powdered sugar; Mini chocolate chips (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 80 reviews

If you are searching for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich cocoa indulgence with the buttery sweetness of caramel, this Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting Recipe is going to be your new favorite bake. Imagine moist, deeply chocolatey cupcakes infused with a hint of bourbon, topped generously with a luscious caramel frosting that’s decadently smooth and sweet. Every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you and your guests coming back for seconds, thirds, and beyond. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat-yourself moment, these cupcakes bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, light brown batter with a slightly thick texture. Inside the bowl, a silver metal whisk rests at an angle, coated lightly with the batter. In the top left corner, a clear bottle with amber liquid is partially visible. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a vital role to deliver cupcakes that are moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured. Using a boxed cake mix keeps things easy but the addition of bourbon and real butter elevates the flavor, while the caramel frosting made from scratch brings that homemade magic you can proudly serve.

Devil’s Food Cake mix: provides the perfect rich chocolate base that’s airy and moist.
Water: hydrates the cake mix and helps blend all ingredients into a smooth batter.
Vegetable oil: keeps the cupcakes tender and moist without weighing them down.
Bourbon: adds a subtle depth and warmth that enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Large eggs: bind everything together and contribute to a tender crumb.
Butter: used in the frosting for richness and that decadent silky texture.
Brown sugar: adds a deep caramel note to the frosting, complementing the chocolate perfectly.
Milk: balances the frosting’s flavor and adjusts texture for spreading or piping.
Powdered sugar: sweetens the frosting while making it fluffy and light.
Mini chocolate chips (optional): provide a fun, melty chocolate crunch on top if you’d like to add extra flair.

How to Make Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Liners

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with 24 cupcake liners to keep your cupcakes from sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This simple prep sets the stage for evenly baked cupcakes with perfect little paper cups ready to hold all that chocolaty goodness.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food Cake mix with water, vegetable oil, bourbon, and eggs. Whisk these together thoroughly until you have a smooth, luscious batter free of lumps. The bourbon’s warm notes here truly deepen the chocolate flavor, turning an everyday cake mix into something extraordinary.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter, allowing room for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over. Pop them in the oven and bake for 16 to 19 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Pull them out and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting, as warm cupcakes will cause your frosting to melt.

Step 4: Start the Caramel Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, let’s get that caramel frosting going. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring this mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer gently for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. This process caramelizes the sugar and creates a rich, flavorful base for your frosting.

Step 5: Cool and Prepare Frosting

After simmering, remove your caramel from the heat and stir in the milk. The milk smooths out the caramel and makes it silky. Allow this mixture to cool completely before moving to the next step. Cooling is essential, as warm caramel will melt your powdered sugar and prevent the frosting from reaching that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 6: Finish the Frosting

Once cooled, transfer the caramel mixture to a bowl and beat it together with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth, fluffy, and easy to spread. If you want a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. For thinner frosting, add small amounts of milk. This gives you full control over your frosting’s consistency for piping or spreading.

Step 7: Decorate Your Cupcakes

Finally, pipe or spread your sumptuous caramel frosting generously onto each cooled cupcake. To add an extra touch of fun and chocolate magic, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top. They melt ever so slightly against the warm frosting and add delightful little bites of texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting Recipe

The image shows seven chocolate cupcakes in black liners placed on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has one layer of light tan frosting swirled in a spiral on top, sprinkled with small chocolate chips. In the background, there is a blurred bottle with a tan label and dark liquid inside, along with a folded rust-colored cloth. The photo is bright and clear, with the focus on the cupcakes in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cupcakes are stunning on their own, but adding garnishes like a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the caramel flavor beautifully. You could also try a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate for some extra flair. Fresh raspberries or a few toasted nuts make lovely additions and bring a pop of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of rich coffee or espresso. The cold creaminess balances the sweetness and warmth of the cupcakes. For a more decadent experience, serve alongside a small glass of bourbon or a caramel-flavored latte.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these cupcakes in a tiered stand at a party to showcase their stunning frosting and garnishes. Or place them in pretty cupcake boxes tied with ribbon for edible gifts. For a festive twist, create a cupcake bar with different toppings like crushed pretzels, chopped toffee, or sprinkles so everyone can customize their cupcakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and trust me, you might!), store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep the cupcakes and frosting separate if you don’t want them to get soggy. Refrigeration is also an option but bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cupcakes and frosting. Wrap cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Freeze the frosting separately in an airtight container. When ready, thaw both at room temperature and gently re-whip the frosting if needed before decorating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply let frozen cupcakes thaw at room temperature. If you’d like them warm, microwave a cupcake for about 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid warming the frosting or it may melt. This slight warmth enhances the chocolate flavor and soft texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without bourbon?

Absolutely! The bourbon adds a lovely depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with extra water or a splash of vanilla extract if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free. The cupcakes will still be deliciously moist and chocolatey.

How do I know when the caramel frosting is the right consistency?

The frosting should be fluffy and smooth, spreadable but not runny. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually. If too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of milk at a time. Cooling the caramel properly before mixing is key for the best texture.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?

While Devil’s Food Cake mix is ideal for a rich chocolate base, you can experiment with regular chocolate or even fudge cake mixes. Just keep in mind that flavor depth might vary, but the caramel frosting will still add that perfect sweet touch.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?

Use a large star or round piping tip for the most elegant look. If you don’t have a piping bag, spreading with an offset spatula works beautifully too. Adding mini chocolate chips on top after frosting gives a nice textural contrast.

Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply choose a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check your other ingredients for gluten content. The frosting is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy dessert option for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting Recipe is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that feels homemade and a little bit special. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or sneaking one for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to deliver moments of pure joy. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and bring a little extra sweetness into your life with this unforgettable treat.