Beautiful salted caramel cupcakes, with soft and fluffy sponge and hidden salted caramel centre. No- one will guess they are 100% vegan!
Hey friends, and welcome to today's post. And boy-ohhh-boy, this will be a good one! Because it's not that often that you come across a recipe which is instantly a hit among your family and friends. But trust me, this salted caramel cupcakes recipe does exactly that!
As it was Ditch New Years' Resolutions Day last week, I thought we will step away from healthy salads and shakes for a moment... Because January is hard enough as it is, and we all need a little 'pick me up' at this time of the year. So making these salted caramel cupcakes is not only guaranteed to make your life sweeter, it will also lift your spirits for sure! And if you are among millions of other people, who are giving Veganuary a go, this recipe is perfect for you!
I was pleasantly surprised to discover how many great vegan recipes Tesco has on offer. From delicious breakfasts to filling lunches and dinners, ending on mouthwatering desserts, all vegan! And while some vegan recipes out there do call for complicated ingredients, Tesco's recipes are using simple, easy accessible products, which you can buy at any of their shops. Cooking vegan has never been easier! So if you are looking for some vegan, plant-based or vegetarian recipe inspiration, be sure to check out their website and the recipes section!
Another great thing about today's recipe is how simple and easy it is to make. I can almost guarantee, that you will have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already (but hey, if you don't, I'm sure your local Tesco is only few minutes away!). All what there is, is just a handful of ingredients, couple of bowls and an electric mixer...
These salted caramel cupcakes are seriously one of the best vegan cupcakes I've ever tried. And the best thing is that you could never tell they are dairy & egg- free. The sponge is so light and perfectly fluffy, with just the right amount of moisture, which is great, because sometimes, I find vegan cupcakes to be slightly too dry and crumbly. But not this one! And then there is that hidden surprise inside, salted caramel centre...
The simple sweet and salty combination, which in my opinion just doubles the taste sensation. And let's not forget about the frosting/ icing on that cupcake! That soft, fluffy buttercream which just melts in your mouth and makes you go 'Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm' with every bite you take. If that is not an international sound for 'damn this is soooo good', then I don't know what is. And the reaction I got every time, when I said these salted caramel cupcakes are vegan was 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOO waaaay!?!', which is kinda great, because there is nothing better than hearing a non- vegan in disbelief.
So there you have it friends, the most delicious recipe I've tried this year so far, and for sure, this one is going to be hard to beat! I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did!
Until next time!
A.
Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 150 g light soft brown sugar
- 75 ml sunflower oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or paste
- 250 g dairy-free yogurt I've used soya yogurt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 175 g self-raising flour
- ½ tsp biocarbonate of soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the salted caramel:
- 50 g light soft brown sugar
- 40 g dairy-free spread or butter
- 25 g golden syrup
- 60 ml dairy-free soya cream
- ½ tsp sea salt
For the icing:
- 175 g dairy-free spread or butter softened
- 500 g icing sugar
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 190 C (170 C fan). Line the 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
- To make the sponges, put the sugar, oil and vanilla in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer for couple of minutes until well combined. In separate bowl mix together the yogurt and vinegar, then add to the sugar mixture and beat for another couple of minutes.
- Sieve in the flour, soda and salt, then whisk again until smooth. Fill the paper cases with the mix to about two-thirds full then bake for 20 minutes until golden, risen and the sponge springs back when touched. Leave to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mean time, make the caramel sauce by heating the sugar, spread and syrup in a small pan. Stir until melted. Bring to simmer and allow to bubble for a couple of minutes. Add the soya cream and sea salt and bubble for 2 minutes before removing from the heat and leaving it to cool and thicken.
- To make the icing, put the spread in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add half the icing sugar and continue to beat until smooth. Add the rest of the sugar and beat for couple more minutes until it is pale and fluffy. Beat in one tablespoon of salted caramel sauce, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes so the icing is firm enough to pipe.
- When ready to assemble, scoop out a small hole in the middle of each cupcake and spoon in a little of caramel sauce. Pipe the icing in swirls onto each cake and drizzle with the remaining salted caramel.
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Nutrition
You can see the original recipe here.
Thanks to Tesco for sponsoring this post. Commissioned posts is how I'm able to continue working on the blog and creating recipes for you. All opinions are my own.
Kee
How do I substitute the apple cider vinegar pls ?
Kee
Apologies I mean can I make these as eggless cupcakes and use normal yoghurt and ready shop bought salted caramel sauce?
Also I don’t have apple cider vinegar - could I use cider vinegar? Or white vinegar?
Thanks
Anna
Hi Kee, you can use any type of yoghurt, as well as ready-made shop-bought caramel sauce. You can also use a 1 Tbsp of lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar. Hope this helps, happy baking!
Kee
I want to make this as eggless salted caramel cupcakes , so use normal milk and butter. Is it ok to use ready shop bought salted caramel?
Rebecca
These taste amazing!!! Can’t believe there vegan! Makes me so happy eating them because they taste amazing and there’s no eggs or animal butter! Woooahhhhhh : D I am going to try and make these today myself, I hope they taste as good as yours : D xxxxx
annabanana
hah, thanks Reb!
You can make them for your house warming party! 😉
Glad you like them, I must make some more soon! xxx
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter
Hello, hello, hello my dear! Wow, what a gooey perfection this post is... A slight problem is I nearly dribbled all over my desk whilst scrolling through all the drool worthy photos. This oozing salted caramel has my name on it. Great photography my dear! I'm so excited to try Tesco's new vegan range as everyone raves about it! Have a great week my lovely friend xx
annabanana
Haha! Hey Tania!
I've got the same problem when I look at your stuff! Thanks so much, I hope we can share few of these together soon!
Have a great week!
Chris
I made them yesterday! Very delicious and easy recipe! Hard to believe they are vegan!
annabanana
Hi Chris!
That is so great to hear! And I know, everyone is quite surprised by that! Thanks so much for stopping by and for leaving this kind review!
Linda from Veganosity
I can see why these were an instant hit with your family. They look amazing! What is golden syrup? I'm assuming it's another name for maple syrup?
annabanana
Hi Linda!
Gosh, it didn't even occur to me that you guys may not have golden syrup! From a quick research I did, corn syrup is the closest match to what we call golden syrup. Although, corn syrup is a bit thinner, so I'm not sure will it work 100%. Would be interesting to hear if you ever try to make them and what result you've had!
Randi Tisdall
Anna, you always blow me away with your pictures!!! This looks so delicious, and I agree, I love it when I surprise non-vegans with a tasty treat. Thanks for sharing, will definitely have to try these!
annabanana
Hey Randi!
And thank you so much! Your comments always make me smile, you're too kind!
I really hope you will try them, something tells me you would love them! x
Cindy
I love when non-vegans are shocked by the yumminess, too! These look amazing!
annabanana
Haha, me too Cindy, it's quite fun to watch! And thanks so much!
Uma
Looks divine with all frosting and caramel! My kids will be so happy to eat these 🙂 loved your pictures too!
annabanana
Thanks so much Uma!
They are guaranteed to be loved by a whole family! Let me know if you try them!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
Um I want at least 6 please - all to myself! They look amazing. Salted caramel is my favourite and with that frosting too....They are like my ideal cupcakes!
annabanana
hahhaa Mel, I will give you a dozen!
Thanks so much, salted caramel is definitely a winner! And the frosting is worth giving up all resolutions for!
Julia
They really look soft and fluffy. Can't believe there are no eggs! 🙂
annabanana
Heh, thanks so much Julia!
I know, it's hard to believe there aren't any! And they are super fluffy, you gonna love them!
Cliona Keane
Wow these are amazing looking! I can't believe they're vegan! I'm definitely going to be making them soon!
annabanana
Oh please do Cliona, and let e know what you think!
I couldn't believe it either! Thanks so much.
Danielle
These cupcakes look epic! I am obsessed with everything salted caramel and these would hit the spot right now.
annabanana
Thank you Danielle, so happy to hear you like them!
I'm a sucker for all things salted caramel too! 😉
Janette } Culinary Ginger
I love all things salted caramel, these are stunning and delicious.
annabanana
Thanks Janette!
Salted caramel is definitely everyone's favourite! And glad you like them!
Helen @ family-friends-food.com
Those look luscious! I'm a huge fan of salted caramel and the oozy centre of these cupcakes looks divine. What a treat!
annabanana
Thanks so much Helen!
I don't think I've met a one person who doesn't like salted caramel! It's such a sweet treat! Really glad you like it!
Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today
I am so curious about these cupcakes, not only vegan, but I loooove the tiny surprise inside 😀
annabanana
Hey Marta! Thanks so much for stopping by!
They are totally delicious and that tiny surprise inside makes them even better! 😉
Wish I could share them with you!