Salted Caramel Mocha Cupcakes

I am so excited about these cupcakes!!! It took 4 batches to get them juuuussstt right, but persistence pays off. One thing I love is Starbucks (yes I am a Gold Card Member and I've already earned 4 free drinks!) and these cupcakes are inspired by the Starbuck's Salted Caramel Mocha. They are the perfect dessert to bring to any party or just to eat at home on these cold, wintry nights... Perhaps with a Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha drink in the other hand?

Salted Caramel Mocha Cupcakes

Shopping List:

Duncan Hines Classic Devil's Food Cake Mix

3 Large Eggs

1 C Hot Water

2 Tbsp Instant Coffee

1/3 C Canola Oil

Frosting:

Duncan Hines Frosting Creations Frosting Starter

Hershey's Caramel Syrup

Sea Salt

1.  Preheat oven to 350 and place cupcake papers in cupcake tins.

2. In large mixing bowl combine cake mix, eggs, and oil.

3. Add instant coffee to hot water BEFORE adding water to cake batter. Dissolve completely.

4. Mix ingredients at medium speed for 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly into cupcake papers.

5. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Cool completely.

6. Meanwhile, begin adding Hershey's caramel syrup little by little to frosting, stirring to mix well. You will want to add enough to be able to taste the caramel in the frosting, but not too much that the frosting becomes to runny. This ratio is best found by adding a little bit at a time and stirring. Chill frosting and syrup in refrigerator for 20 mins BEFORE frosting the cupcakes.

7. Once you have frosted the cupcakes, drizzle the top lightly with caramel syrup and add a dusting of salt - I used a sea salt grinder and only added a pinch to the top of each cupcake. Just enough to get that salty sweet flavor!

Like I said, these cupcakes are now a favorite recipe of mine! 

You'll have to try it! Some of you are probably thinking, 

when is she going to stop posting just sugary desserts!! 

Can you tell I have a serious sweet tooth?! 

But don't worry, eating healthy is important to me. 

So stay tuned this week for some healthy dinner recipes. 

Who knows? I might even throw in some vegetables...

But only after I enjoy one more cupcake tonight
while watching the Season Finale of Downton Abbey!!

Photo credit goes to: http://blog.zap2it.com/