8ouncesdark chocolate, chopped (I used high quality chocolate chips here)
1cuplight brown sugar, packed
1teaspooninstant espresso powder (optional)
2teaspoonspure vanilla extract
4large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
1cupall-purpose flour (be sure not to pack your flour here)
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonbaking powder
1/2cupbittersweet chocolate chips
For the Salted Caramel Frosting:
1/2cup(1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2cupheavy cream
2teaspoonspure vanilla extract
1cuppacked light brown sugar
1/2teaspoonsalt
3cupsconfectioners' sugar, sifted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a cupcake pan with liners; set aside.
Place the butter and chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and place that bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water. Stir until the butter and chocolate are completely melted. Add in the brown sugar, espresso powder (if using), and vanilla; whisk well to combine. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool for a few minutes.
Once the mixture has slightly cooled, add in the eggs and yolk, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Whisk in the flour, salt, and baking powder - careful not to over mix here! Fold in the chocolate chips.
Divide the batter among the prepared cupcake cups.
Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 21-25 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In the meantime, make your frosting!
For the Salted Caramel Frosting:
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-heat, combine the butter, cream, vanilla, brown sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and the mixture comes to a low simmer; about 4 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for 2 minutes, then transfer the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add 2 cups of confectioners' sugar to the bowl and beat on medium-low speed until well combined. Add in another 1-2 cups of confectioners' sugar and beat until thick and fluffy; 4-6 minutes. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.
Notes
This recipe is from the Joy The Baker Homemade Decadence Cookbook. The recipe is written in my own words and all opinions are, as always, my own. This giveaway is not sponsored; it's just because I love you guys!
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