Brown Butter Pumpkin Caramel Latte Cupcakes
These Brown Butter Pumpkin Caramel Latte Cupcakes feature a rich brown butter pumpkin cake base filled with homemade salted caramel. Each cupcake is topped with a velvety coffee cream cheese frosting that adds a perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and aromatic flavors. These indulgent cupcakes are an ideal treat for cozy fall days, perfect for any autumn gathering or to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below.
Salted butter
All-purpose flour
Pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Brown sugar, light or dark
Maple syrup
Eggs
Pumpkin puree
Espresso
Vanilla bean paste or extract
Coconut oil
Almond butter
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Pumpkin Caramel Latte Cupcakes:
Irresistibly Rich Flavor: The nutty, caramelized notes of brown butter combined with pumpkin create a deep, rich flavor that makes these cupcakes truly unique and delicious.
Perfect Fall Dessert: With the warm spices from the pumpkin, salted caramel filling, and coffee-flavored frosting, these cupcakes capture all the comforting flavors of fall in one bite.
Gooey Salted Caramel Filling: Each cupcake is filled with a homemade salted caramel that adds a sweet, gooey surprise in the center, perfectly balancing the spices and coffee.
Aromatic Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting: The coffee cream cheese frosting adds a touch of creaminess and a hint of coffee flavor, making these cupcakes a great treat for coffee lovers.
Moist and Fluffy Pumpkin Cake: The brown butter pumpkin cake base is moist, fluffy, and full of cozy fall spices, offering the perfect texture in every bite.
Sweet and Salty Combination: The combination of sweet pumpkin, gooey salted caramel, and creamy coffee frosting offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, keeping every bite interesting.
Impressive Yet Easy to Make: These cupcakes look impressive and taste gourmet, but they are easy to make with simple ingredients—ideal for any baker looking to impress friends and family.
Versatile for Different Occasions: Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself, these cupcakes are versatile enough for any event.
Warm, Cozy Aromas: While baking, these cupcakes fill your kitchen with the cozy aromas of brown butter, pumpkin spices, and caramel—making the baking process as enjoyable as the eating.
Perfect with Coffee: The coffee cream cheese frosting makes these cupcakes an ideal companion for your morning or afternoon cup of coffee, making them the perfect cozy indulgence.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Pumpkin Caramel Latte Cupcakes:
Brown the Butter Properly: When browning the butter, watch it carefully to avoid burning. The butter should turn a golden brown color and give off a nutty aroma. This step adds a rich depth of flavor to the cupcakes.
Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree will provide the right texture and a pure pumpkin flavor without added sugar or spices.
Make the Salted Caramel Filling in Advance: Prepare the salted caramel filling ahead of time to let it cool completely before filling the cupcakes. Chilled caramel is easier to handle and helps prevent it from leaking out.
Do Not Over-Mix the Batter: Over-mixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Use an Apple Corer or Piping Bag Tip to Make Space for Caramel: To easily fill the cupcakes with caramel, use an apple corer or piping bag tip to remove a small portion from the center of each cooled cupcake. This creates a perfect space for adding the caramel filling.
Pipe the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting: For a beautiful presentation, use a piping bag to frost the cupcakes. The frosting should be at room temperature to ensure it’s easy to pipe and holds its shape.
Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely Before Filling and Frosting: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before filling them with salted caramel and topping them with frosting. This prevents the filling from melting and the frosting from sliding off.
Use Freshly Brewed Coffee in the Frosting: For the coffee cream cheese frosting, use freshly brewed coffee or espresso. Adjust the amount based on how strong you want the coffee flavor to be.
Garnish with Extra Salted Caramel: For added flavor and a beautiful finish, drizzle extra salted caramel over the frosting just before serving. This adds a sweet and salty touch that complements the coffee and pumpkin flavors.
Store Properly to Retain Moisture: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to retain moisture. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Serve with a Cup of Coffee: These cupcakes pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, enhancing the flavor of the coffee cream cheese frosting and making them an ideal fall treat.
How to store Brown Butter Pumpkin Caramel Latte Cupcakes:
Room Temperature (Up to 1 Day): If you plan to serve the cupcakes within a day, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness. However, due to the cream cheese frosting, it's best not to leave them out for longer than a day.
Refrigeration (Up to 4 Days): Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting and caramel filling are perishable, so keeping the cupcakes chilled will help preserve their quality and flavor. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Unfrosted Cupcakes (Up to 2 Months): For longer storage, freeze the cupcakes without the frosting. Wrap each cooled cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then fill with caramel and frost before serving.
Freezing Frosted Cupcakes: If you need to freeze the frosted cupcakes, place them on a tray and freeze until solid. Once the frosting is firm, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Storing Salted Caramel Separately: If you’re planning to store or freeze the cupcakes, you may want to store the salted caramel sauce separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Add the caramel filling and drizzle after reheating or thawing the cupcakes for the freshest flavor.
Preventing Frosting Smudges: To prevent the frosting from getting smudged while storing, place the cupcakes in a container tall enough to keep the frosting intact, or use a cupcake carrier that ensures they stay upright and separate.
Reheating for a Fresh Taste: For cupcakes stored in the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving. This will help the cake regain its soft, moist texture, and the frosting will taste creamier.
Avoid Storing Near Strong Odors: Store the cupcakes away from foods with strong odors in the refrigerator, as cream cheese frosting can absorb surrounding smells. Use an airtight container to keep the flavors intact.
Use Cupcake Liners: When freezing or refrigerating, keep the cupcakes in their liners to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestion After Storing: After thawing or reheating, drizzle a bit of fresh salted caramel over the frosting to add back that rich, gooey texture and enhance the flavor before serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cupcakes ahead of time. Bake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Frost them just before serving for the best taste.
Q: Can I freeze the cupcakes?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes. For best results, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature, then add the caramel filling and coffee cream cheese frosting before serving.
Q: How should I store the cupcakes?
A: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the salted caramel ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently before filling the cupcakes to make it easier to work with.
Q: How do I keep the frosting from melting?
A: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the frosted cupcakes until you’re ready to serve to keep the cream cheese frosting from melting.
Q: What type of coffee should I use for the frosting?
A: Use freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso for the coffee cream cheese frosting. Adjust the amount to achieve your preferred coffee flavor intensity.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel if you’re short on time. However, homemade salted caramel offers a fresher, richer flavor that complements the pumpkin cupcakes perfectly.
Q: How do I fill the cupcakes with caramel?
A: Use an apple corer, piping bag tip, knife, or a small spoon to remove a portion from the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill the hole with the salted caramel, then replace a bit of the removed cake to seal the top before frosting.
Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the coffee cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using to make it easier to spread or pipe.
Q: How do I get the perfect swirl of frosting on top?
A: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the coffee cream cheese frosting in a spiral motion for a professional-looking swirl. Make sure the frosting is at room temperature for easy piping.
Check out my other pumpkin recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these brown butter pumpkin caramel latte cupcakes. Happy baking!
