Description
Indulge in rich and moist chocolate cupcakes infused with a hint of bourbon, topped with a luscious homemade caramel frosting. These decadent treats are perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a delightful sweet dessert.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcakes
- 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
Caramel Frosting
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 24 cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, bourbon, and eggs until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the cupcakes: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 16 to 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Start the frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cool the caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the milk, and allow the caramel mixture to cool completely to prevent melting the powdered sugar when mixing.
- Finish the frosting: Beat the cooled caramel mixture with the powdered sugar until the frosting becomes fluffy and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin as needed.
- Decorate: Pipe or spread the caramel frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute bourbon with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust the frosting sweetness and consistency by varying the powdered sugar and milk quantities.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Mini chocolate chips add a nice texture but are optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
