Caramel Cupcakes

I love anything with caramel and these look just about perfect! What a fantastic treat for doing the half marathon!

Ingredients :

For the cupcakes

• 2 whole eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes, at room temperature

For the caramel

• 1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into a few chunks
• Generous 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions :

1. Place an oven rack to the center position and preheat the it to 350 degrees. Line 18 cups of 2 muffin tins with paper liners.
2. In a large measuring cup, whisk together, the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, and buttermilk and set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
4. Fit the mixer with the paddle attachment and turn the mixer on low. With the mixer running, gradually drop in the butter pieces and mix until the texture is uniform and the bits of butter aren’t discernable, about 2 minutes. With the mixer still on low, begin slowly pouring in the wet ingredients.
5. When all the wet ingredients have been added, crank the speed up to medium and mix until the batter is light and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes.
6. Portion the batter into the muffin tins and bake until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly touched, 20-25 minutes.
7. Let cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a a wire rack to cool completely.
8. When the cupcakes have cooled, make the icing. Put the dark brown sugar, butter and salt in a medium saucepan, and melt them together over medium heat, stirring often. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the milk and vanilla.
9. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Dump in the confectioners’ sugar all at once and beat with a wooden spoon until the icing is thickened and smooth. Quickly ice the cupcakes by holding each by the base and dipping the tops in the hot icing, rolling them slightly to coat evenly.
10. Turn them quickly upright so the icing will even out while it’s still warm and will set smoothly.
11. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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