Decadent Butter Pecan Cupcakes with Gooey Caramel Filling
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Caramel Filling:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Butter Pecan Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in toasted pecans.
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 comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Caramel Filling:
6. In a small saucepan, heat granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Add butter and stir until melted. Carefully pour in heavy cream (mixture will bubble), and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
7. Using a small knife or cupcake corer, remove a small section from the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill with caramel.
For the Butter Pecan Frosting:
8. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add milk and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy. Fold in toasted pecans.
9. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the filled cupcakes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes
