Lykkers, today we are going to make a classic and upgraded dessert - homemade chocolate cupcakes, covered with light whipped buttercream, and finally drizzled with rich salted caramel sauce.

This dessert has the richness of chocolate, the smoothness of cream, and the subtle balance of salted caramel. It has rich taste and is perfect for parties or afternoon tea.

Step 1: Prepare all ingredients

Chocolate cupcake ingredients (about 12 pieces):

- 120g all-purpose flour (1 cup)

- 30g cocoa powder (unsweetened) (1/4 cup)

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 120g caster sugar (2/3 cup)

- 1 egg (large)

- 120ml milk (1/2 cup)

- 60ml vegetable oil (1/4 cup)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 120ml hot water or hot coffee (1/2 cup, to enhance the chocolate flavor)

White butter cream ingredients:

- 113g unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened)

- 200g powdered sugar (about 1 and 3/4 cup, sifted)

- 2 tablespoons milk or butter (adjust as needed)

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Salted caramel sauce ingredients:

- 100g caster sugar (1/2 cup)

- 45g unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)

- 60ml whipping cream (1/4 cup)

- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

Step 2: Bake chocolate cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F, prepare a standard 12-hole cupcake pan, and line with paper coasters.

2. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and stir well.

3. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, and stir with a whisk until smooth.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until there are no dry powder particles.

5. Add hot water or hot coffee and stir until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin, which is normal).

6. Pour the batter evenly into the paper cups, filling about 2/3.

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and pull out the batter without sticking.

8. Place it on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the white buttercream

1. Use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter for about 2 minutes until the color becomes lighter and the texture is smooth.

2. Add the powdered sugar in batches, stirring each time before adding the next batch to avoid the powder splashing.

3. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk and continue beating. If it is too thick, add a small amount of milk to adjust to the desired smoothness.

4. Put the buttercream into a piping bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Make the salted caramel sauce

1. Pour the sugar into a small non-stick pan, heat over medium heat without stirring, and wait for the sugar to slowly melt and turn golden brown (the process takes about 5-7 minutes).

2. Turn off the heat, add the butter, and stir carefully (be careful of the heat).

3. Add the whipped cream and continue stirring until it is evenly mixed. Turn the heat back to low and cook for about 1 minute.

4. After turning off the heat, add the sea salt and stir evenly.

5. Let the caramel sauce cool to room temperature before using it for decoration.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy

1. When the cake is completely cooled, use the buttercream to squeeze out beautiful swirls on the surface.

2. Use a small spoon to pour the cooled salted caramel sauce on top. You don’t need too much, just a little bit will enhance the flavor.

3. If you like, you can also sprinkle some chocolate chips or caramel crumbs for decoration.

4. Prepare a small ceramic plate and place the cupcakes on a wooden table. Can’t wait to take a photo and post it on social media?

Tips Time

- Using coffee instead of water can make the chocolate flavor richer, but there will be no coffee taste.

- When whipping the cream, don't heat it too high, otherwise it will become soft easily.

- Salted caramel sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance, refrigerated and slightly heated before use.

- Be sure to wait until the cake is completely cooled before decorating, otherwise the cream will melt.

This is not only a dessert, but also a sense of ritual

Lykkers, let's make this seemingly high-end but very affordable dessert together. Have you felt the satisfaction brought by handwork? Soft cake, smooth cream, salty and sweet caramel, a bite of happiness bursts. The next time friends get together, family afternoon tea, or even just want to reward yourself on the weekend, this little dessert can come in handy.

Why not try it now! Remember to share your finished product with us after you are done.