Heavenly Salted Caramel Chocolate Chunk Muffins Recipe

Decadent chocolate chunk muffins with salted caramel dancing through every delectable bite promise pure indulgence.

Sweet meets salty in this irresistible treat that transforms ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments.

Rich chocolate melts alongside golden caramel, creating a symphony of flavors that dazzle the senses.

Each muffin arrives packed with intense chocolate chunks and ribbons of silky caramel.

Warm from the oven, these muffins offer a luxurious escape from everyday routines.

Comfort and elegance merge in this simple yet sophisticated recipe that beckons you closer.

These muffins will make you forget every diet commitment and surrender to pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chunk Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the muffins, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate depth, opt for Dutch-processed for a smoother, more intense flavor.
• Baking Powder: Creates light and fluffy texture, ensure it's fresh for maximum rising power.
• Baking Soda: Helps muffins rise and balance acidity, check expiration date for optimal performance.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness, select large, room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender crumb, choose pure cane sugar for best results.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps muffins moist and soft, use neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor, select pure vanilla for most authentic taste.
• Buttermilk: Creates tender texture and adds subtle tanginess, low-fat works perfectly.

• Chocolate Chunks: Provide delightful melty pockets, choose high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate.
• Hot Water or Coffee: Intensifies chocolate flavor, use freshly brewed coffee for deeper notes.
• Salted Caramel (Optional): Adds luxurious swirl of sweetness and complexity, homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.

Tools for Muffins Loaded with Chocolate and Caramel

• Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size with paper liners for perfectly shaped muffins.
• Medium Bowl: For sifting and mixing dry ingredients cleanly and efficiently.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for whisking wet ingredients and combining mixtures.
• Whisk: Essential for creating smooth, creamy egg and sugar mixture.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free and well-mixed.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate baking results.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping bowl edges.
• Mixing Spoon: Helps combine wet and dry ingredients gently.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Muffins

• Warm Up Your Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F and grab a muffin tin. Slip in some paper cups to keep things tidy and prevent sticky messes.

• Create Your Flavor Foundation

Grab a mixing bowl and sift together your dry ingredients. Swirl cocoa powder, flour, and rising agents into a beautiful chocolatey dust that’ll make your muffins irresistible.

• Whip Up the Liquid

In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until they transform into a light, dreamy mixture. Pour in oil and vanilla, stirring with love. Splash in buttermilk and watch the batter come alive.

• Marry the Ingredients

Gently fold your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Don’t overwork the batter – treat it like a delicate dance. Splash in a hint of hot coffee or water for extra richness. Tumble in chocolate chunks that will melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.

• Bake to Perfection

Scoop the batter into your waiting muffin cups. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and let happen. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops look perfectly golden – about 18-20 minutes.

• Cool and Devour

Let the muffins rest for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. These chocolate beauties are best enjoyed warm, with a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Tips to Balance Sweet and Salty Muffin Flavors

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and prevent overmixing, which can create tough muffins.
• Gently fold chocolate chunks into the batter to prevent sinking and create delightful pockets of chocolate in every bite.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make these muffins suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a dairy-free alternative that maintains moisture and texture.
• Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top of the muffins after baking for an intense caramel flavor boost and stunning presentation.

Serve Salted Caramel Muffins with a Cozy Drink

• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve these moist muffins alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a heavenly contrast of warm chocolate and cold creaminess.
• Caramel Drizzle Dream: Warm extra salted caramel sauce and generously pour over the muffins just before serving to enhance the rich flavor profile and add gooey texture.
• Breakfast Delight Pairing: Enjoy these muffins with a strong espresso or cappuccino, letting the chocolate and coffee notes complement each other perfectly for a luxurious morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Place the muffins on a beautiful ceramic plate, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with a light herbal tea to create an indulgent mid-afternoon snacking experience.

Storing Salted Caramel Muffins Without Drying Them Out

• Keep these delightful chocolate chunk muffins fresh and ready to enjoy with smart storage strategies.
• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze muffins for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. Place cooled muffins in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
• Keep salted caramel muffins away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent caramel from melting. If storing with other baked goods, place a paper towel between layers to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.
• Prepare muffin batter the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply scoop into muffin tins and bake for fresh, warm treats with minimal morning effort.

FAQs

• Are these muffins very sweet?

These muffins have a balanced sweetness from sugar and caramel, with rich chocolate chunks providing depth. The salted caramel adds a sophisticated flavor contrast that’s not overpoweringly sugary.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using to create a similar tangy texture and acidity.

• How do I prevent the chocolate chunks from sinking?

Toss the chocolate chunks in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the muffins during baking and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.

• What type of cocoa powder works best for this recipe?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will provide a smoother, less bitter taste compared to natural cocoa powder, enhancing the overall chocolate experience.

Sinful Salted Caramel Chocolate Chunk Muffins

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable salted caramel chocolate chunk muffins blend sweet and salty notes in a perfect harmony. Rich chocolate chunks and caramel swirls create an irresistible treat that will delight chocolate enthusiasts and satisfy morning cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• ½ cup (120 ml) hot water or coffee (optional, for deeper chocolate flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (130 g) chocolate chunks or chips
• 12 soft caramels, unwrapped (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsps heavy cream
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
• Additional chocolate chunks (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, positioning them for uniform baking.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together, creating a homogeneous powder without any clumps.
3. Egg and Sugar Transformation: Whisk eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and silky, indicating proper aeration and incorporation.
4. Liquid Integration: Blend oil and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, creating a smooth, glossy base with consistent texture.
5. Batter Development: Combine buttermilk with wet ingredients, then gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture, using a delicate technique to maintain a tender crumb.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Optional addition of hot water or coffee will intensify the chocolate’s rich flavor profile.
7. Chocolate Distribution: Gently fold chocolate chunks throughout the batter, ensuring an even spread of decadent chocolate pieces in each muffin.
8. Baking Process: Fill muffin cups three-quarters full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
9. Cooling Stage: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to maintain a light, tender texture; overmixing develops gluten and creates dense, tough muffins.
• Chocolate Chunk Distribution: Coat chocolate chunks in a light dusting of flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the muffins.
• Moisture Mastery: Add hot water or coffee to intensify chocolate flavor and create a more moist, rich final product; start with small amounts to control consistency.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to ensure smooth mixing and consistent baking results, helping muffins rise evenly and achieve perfect texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg