Gingerbread Caramel Latte Cupcakes
These Gingerbread Caramel Latte Cupcakes are the ultimate holiday indulgence! Made with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Shortening for a moist gingerbread base, they’re filled with easy homemade salted caramel crafted with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil and topped with a rich coffee cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy celebrations.
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.
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Ginger
Nutmeg
Salt
Dark brown sugar
Molasses
Eggs
Milk of choice
Greek yogurt
Vanilla extract
Almond butter
Maple syrup
Cream cheese
Salted butter
Powdered sugar
Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Caramel Latte Cupcakes:
Warm Holiday Flavors: The gingerbread base is packed with warm spices, creating the perfect festive dessert for the holiday season.
Moist and Tender Cupcakes: Made with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Shortening, these cupcakes are incredibly moist and have a tender crumb.
Gooey Salted Caramel Filling: Each cupcake is filled with a luscious homemade salted caramel made with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, adding a rich, gooey center.
Decadent Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting: The coffee-infused cream cheese frosting provides a smooth, tangy, and slightly caffeinated finish that balances the sweetness.
Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty: The salted caramel pairs beautifully with the spiced gingerbread and creamy frosting for a harmonious flavor profile.
Easy to Make with Pantry Staples: Using readily available ingredients, including Chosen Foods Avocado Oil and Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Shortening, these cupcakes come together effortlessly.
Elegant Presentation: The gooey caramel filling and swirled frosting make these cupcakes look bakery-worthy, ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Customizable Toppings: Add a drizzle of extra salted caramel, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dusting of espresso powder for a decorative touch.
Versatile for Any Occasion: While perfect for the holidays, these cupcakes are also great for birthdays, brunches, or coffee dates.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Gingerbread, salted caramel, and coffee create a unique yet universally loved flavor trio that’s sure to impress.
Tips for Making Gingerbread Caramel Latte Cupcakes:
Melt and Cool the Shortening: Melt the Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Shortening and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the batter for a smooth and evenly mixed texture.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs, cream cheese, and other ingredients are at room temperature for a consistent and well-blended batter and frosting.
Mix Spices Thoroughly: Whisk the spices into the dry ingredients to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the gingerbread cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
Prepare the Caramel in Advance: Make the salted caramel using Chosen Foods Avocado Oil ahead of time and let it cool completely before filling the cupcakes.
Hollow Cupcakes Neatly: Use a cupcake corer or a small knife to remove a small portion of the center for the salted caramel filling, ensuring clean and even cavities.
Fill Cupcakes Generously: Spoon or pipe the salted caramel into the hollowed-out cupcakes, ensuring each one has a rich, gooey center.
Infuse Frosting Gradually: Add brewed coffee or espresso to the cream cheese frosting a little at a time to achieve your desired strength of flavor.
Pipe Frosting for Professional Presentation: Use a piping bag with a decorative tip to swirl the coffee cream cheese frosting on top for a polished, bakery-style look.
Decorate Thoughtfully: Add a drizzle of salted caramel, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dusting of espresso powder to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Store Cupcakes Properly: Place the finished cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How to Store Gingerbread Caramel Latte Cupcakes:
Room Temperature for Short-Term Storage: If you plan to serve the cupcakes within a few hours, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese frosting and salted caramel filling will stay fresh and flavorful.
Freezing Without Frosting: For long-term storage, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Freezing Fully Assembled Cupcakes: If needed, freeze fully frosted cupcakes by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until the frosting is firm, then wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Thawing Frozen Cupcakes: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight and bring them to room temperature before serving to restore their full flavor and texture.
Keep Frosting Fresh: If storing cupcakes for more than a day, rewhip the coffee cream cheese frosting before serving for a fresher appearance and texture.
Store Salted Caramel Separately (Optional): If you prefer to fill the cupcakes closer to serving, store the homemade salted caramel in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Serve at Room Temperature: Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs:
Q: What makes these cupcakes unique?
A: These cupcakes feature a moist gingerbread base made with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Shortening, filled with a gooey salted caramel made with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, and topped with a rich coffee cream cheese frosting for a holiday-inspired treat.
Q: How do I make the salted caramel filling?
A: The salted caramel is made with coconut or avocado oil, almond butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients until smooth—no cooking required!
Q: Do I need to melt the shortening?
A: Yes, the Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Shortening should be melted and slightly cooled before incorporating it into the cupcake batter.
Q: How can I ensure the cupcakes are moist?
A: Use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Shortening adds extra moisture for a tender crumb.
Q: Can I make the caramel and frosting ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the salted caramel and coffee cream cheese frosting in advance. Store the caramel in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Refrigerate the frosting for up to 3 days and rewhip before using.
Q: How should I fill the cupcakes with caramel?
A: Use a cupcake corer or a small knife to hollow out the center of each cupcake, then spoon or pipe the salted caramel into the cavity for a gooey filling.
Q: Can I customize the frosting flavor?
A: Yes! You can adjust the coffee intensity by adding more or less brewed coffee or espresso to the cream cheese frosting.
Q: How should I store these cupcakes?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I freeze the cupcakes?
A: Yes! Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. If freezing frosted cupcakes, freeze them uncovered until the frosting is firm, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Q: What’s the best way to serve these cupcakes?
A: Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with a drizzle of salted caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Q: Is Chosen Foods avocado oil shortening a better alternative to regular shortening?
A: Yes, Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Shortening is made from 100% pure avocado oil, is vegan, made with only one ingredient, and is certified non-GMO. It delivers a soft texture to the cupcakes while offering a clean and simple ingredient choice.
Check out my other gingerbread recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these gingerbread caramel latte cupcakes. Happy baking!
