Vanilla Cupcakes With Caramel Sea Salt Frosting Recipes

VANILLA CUPCAKES WITH CARAMEL SEA SALT FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups.
• In large bowl, beat all cupcake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
• Bake 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, in 2-quart heavy saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar with whisk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir in milk. Return to boiling. Remove from heat; cool until lukewarm, about 30 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; gradually stir in powdered sugar until spreadable (add additional milk if frosting becomes too thick). Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with sea salt.

SALTED CARAMEL CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Fill 10 paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely., In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, water and salt. Cook over medium-low heat until sugar begins to melt. Gently pull melted sugar to center of pan until sugar melts evenly. Cook, without stirring, until mixture turns an amber color., Remove from heat; gradually stir in cream until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. Beat until stiff peaks form. Frost cupcakes.