Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes

Yum, Yummy, yum.

That is what I think when I hear the pairing of chocolate and caramel. Just divine.
I had a pot of carnation caramel in my cupboard, so I thought what better way to use it up then cupcakes!
The caramel is not only in the frosting but also hidden inside the cupcake, what a great suprise?

The frosting itself is so creamy, from the addition of double cream and mascarpone, this is definately not one for an everyday snack, lets just say that!

Ingredients:
Makes 8-10 large cupcakes.

Cupcakes-

• 150g unsalted butter, softened
• 150g caster sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150g self raising flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• splash of milk

Frosting-

• 50ml double/whipping cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp mascarpone
• 4 tbsp icing/powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp caramel 
• 8-10 tsp of caramel for the centre

-A quick note, the frosting is slightly softer then usual buttercream so if you want a thicker one skip the mascarpone and double the butter.

Preheat your oven to 180c and line a muffin tin with cases.

In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy then beat in the eggs slowly with the vanilla extract.

Sift in the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder and a splash of milk, then gently fold in with a metal spoon until combined.

Divide the mixture into each muffin case (I made 10, but depends how large you make them.)

Then place into the oven for 15-18 minutes, mine took 15.

Once baked, take out of the oven and leave to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

For the frosting, beat the cream until soft peaks form then add the rest of the ingredients, and slowly beat until combined. 

Now with a sharp knife cut a hole in the centre of each cupcake, keep the bit you cut out to place back on top.

Fill each hole with a teaspoon of caramel then place the 'lid' you cut off back on.

Then pipe or spread the frosting over the top! (I just decorated with a few chocolate shavings.)