If you love the cozy vibes of a salted caramel mocha from your favorite coffee shop, just wait until you try it in cupcake form. These Salted Caramel Mocha Cupcakes are everything you want in a dessert—rich chocolate, a hint of coffee, a swirl of creamy caramel, and just the right touch of sea salt to keep things interesting.
But here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a professional baker to make them. This is your no-stress, no-fancy-equipment-needed guide to creating cupcakes that look impressive, taste incredible, and come together with surprising ease.
Whether you’re baking for a gathering, gifting a sweet treat, or just craving something indulgent, these cupcakes have your back.
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
These cupcakes aren’t just another spin on chocolate—they’re decadent without being complicated. Here’s what makes them a crowd favorite:
- Moist chocolate cake infused with brewed coffee for rich depth
- Whipped mocha buttercream that’s smooth and not overly sweet
- Lush caramel drizzle that adds sweetness and shine
- A pinch of sea salt for that irresistible sweet-salty combo
If your idea of comfort includes coffee, chocolate, and caramel, then this recipe will be a fast favorite.
Ingredients
For the Mocha Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- ¼ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Mocha Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp sea salt
Optional Garnish: Extra caramel drizzle, flaky sea salt, mini chocolate chips, or espresso beans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with 12 liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat sugars, egg, oil, buttermilk, coffee, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Mocha Buttercream
In a large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add cocoa powder, salt, and powdered sugar gradually while mixing on low.
Beat in the brewed coffee and vanilla, then whip on high for 2 more minutes until fluffy.
3. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Let it simmer without stirring until it turns a golden amber color (watch closely!).
Remove from heat, stir in butter until melted, then whisk in cream and sea salt. Let it cool slightly before drizzling.
4. Assemble Your Cupcakes
Pipe or spread mocha buttercream onto cooled cupcakes. Drizzle with salted caramel and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt or toppings of your choice.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don’t overmix your batter—just combine until you don’t see dry flour.
- Let your caramel cool slightly before drizzling so it doesn’t melt the frosting.
- Short on time? Use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce.
Make It Your Own
Want to mix it up? Try these twists:
- Add a chocolate ganache core by scooping out the center and filling before frosting.
- Swap mocha buttercream for salted caramel frosting for double caramel delight.
- Make it boozy with a splash of coffee liqueur in the buttercream.
These Salted Caramel Mocha Cupcakes are the perfect blend of cozy and decadent, and they prove that impressive desserts don’t have to mean stress. With bold flavor, balanced sweetness, and gorgeous presentation, they’re destined to be your new go-to cupcake—whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself on a Tuesday.
No stress. No fuss. Just pure cupcake joy.
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