Addictive even on their own, these tiny, vanilla-infused cupcakes are thoroughly irresistible when slathered with Salted Caramel Frosting. Whip some up for your next birthday party; they’ll appeal to both adults and kids.
This recipe was featured as part of our Back-to-School Bake Sale story.
TIME/SERVINGS
Total Time: 40 mins
Active Time: 20 mins
Makes: 24 cupcakes
INGREDIENTS
2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped, seeds reserved (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Salted Caramel Frosting
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line 2 (12-well) muffin pans with paper liners. Alternatively, coat the wells with butter; set aside.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to aerate and break up any lumps; set aside.
Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until very light in color, about 3 minutes. Add sugar and vanilla seeds (if you’re using vanilla extract instead, you’ll add it later), and continue beating until mixture is airy, about 3 minutes.
Scrape down the paddle and the sides of the bowl, turn the mixer to medium speed, and add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add milk (and vanilla extract, if you’re using it in place of seeds), and mix until combined (the mixture will look curdled, but it’s not). Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture, and mix until just combined, about 15 seconds.
Fill the muffin wells about halfway, and bake cupcakes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Set the pans on a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from the pans and let cool completely before frosting.
See more recipes at: http://www.chow.com
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Salted Caramel Frosting
TIME/SERVINGS
Total: 45 mins, plus chilling time
Active: 20 mins
Makes: 2 cups
By Amy Wisniewski
Looks can be deceiving: This frosting may resemble plain old vanilla, but one bite proves it’s much more. The addition of dark, slightly bitter caramel and an extra pinch of salt lends sophistication. Top some Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with this for an adult take on a childhood favorite.
Game plan: We used this frosting immediately after making it and again after it had set up, and found we liked it better after it had cooled and hardened slightly. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can use it right away; the frosting just may not be as perky as you’d like.
This can be made ahead, tightly covered, and refrigerated—it will last up to 7 days. Let it come to room temperature before using. One batch will frost 24 cupcakes.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), at room temperature
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Briefly stir together granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking, without stirring, until mixture turns dark amber in color, about 6 to 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and slowly add in cream and vanilla, stirring with a wooden spoon until completely smooth. Set aside until cool to the touch, about 25 minutes.
Combine butter and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until light in color and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low, add powdered sugar, and mix until completely incorporated.
Turn mixer off and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add caramel. Beat frosting on medium-high speed until airy and thoroughly mixed, about 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until stiff, about 45 minutes, before using.
Total: 45 mins, plus chilling time
Active: 20 mins
Makes: 2 cups
By Amy Wisniewski
Looks can be deceiving: This frosting may resemble plain old vanilla, but one bite proves it’s much more. The addition of dark, slightly bitter caramel and an extra pinch of salt lends sophistication. Top some Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with this for an adult take on a childhood favorite.
Game plan: We used this frosting immediately after making it and again after it had set up, and found we liked it better after it had cooled and hardened slightly. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can use it right away; the frosting just may not be as perky as you’d like.
This can be made ahead, tightly covered, and refrigerated—it will last up to 7 days. Let it come to room temperature before using. One batch will frost 24 cupcakes.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), at room temperature
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Briefly stir together granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking, without stirring, until mixture turns dark amber in color, about 6 to 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and slowly add in cream and vanilla, stirring with a wooden spoon until completely smooth. Set aside until cool to the touch, about 25 minutes.
Combine butter and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until light in color and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low, add powdered sugar, and mix until completely incorporated.
Turn mixer off and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add caramel. Beat frosting on medium-high speed until airy and thoroughly mixed, about 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until stiff, about 45 minutes, before using.
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