Description
These Salted Caramel Lava Cupcakes feature a decadent molten caramel center surrounded by a rich chocolate cake. Perfectly baked to have soft edges and a gooey, flowing caramel core, they are topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and optional whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 soft caramels or 1/4 cup thick caramel sauce
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Extra caramel drizzle
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease or line a 6-cup muffin tin or 6 ramekins to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate together over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts until fully melted and combined.
- Mix batter: Remove the melted mixture from heat and whisk in the granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Stir in the flour, salt, and vanilla extract until just combined to form the batter.
- Assemble cupcakes: Spoon half of the batter evenly into the prepared cups. Press one soft caramel candy into the center of each cupcake or spoon about 1 teaspoon of thick caramel sauce into the center. Cover with the remaining batter to seal in the caramel.
- Bake: Place the cupcakes in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft and molten for the lava effect.
- Cool and serve: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 2 minutes before carefully removing them. Sprinkle each cupcake with a pinch of sea salt and serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel.
Notes
- Use store-bought soft caramel candies or thick jarred caramel sauce for the filling.
- Do not overbake; the gooey molten center is the best part of these cupcakes.
- Best served immediately for maximum lava effect and optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
