Introduction

These Toffee Crunch Cupcakes are a delightful treat combining soft, buttery cake with bursts of crunchy toffee bits. Topped with a smooth toffee-infused frosting and extra toffee crunch, they’re perfect for any occasion where you want a little sweet indulgence.

Two cupcakes sit on a white plate with a slight gold edge, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Each cupcake has a base layer of light brown cake with dark chocolate specks, wrapped in black and white paper liners. On top, there is a thick swirl of smooth white frosting shaped like soft peaks. Drizzled over the frosting are two sauces: a dark chocolate sauce and a caramel sauce, both shiny and flowing down the sides. The cupcakes are topped with a generous layer of small, light brown crunchy nut pieces, adding texture and color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
½ cup chopped toffee bits (plus extra for topping)
¾ cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
¼ cup butter, softened (for frosting)
2 tbsp toffee sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Pinch of salt
Crushed toffee pieces (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped toffee bits to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 8: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Step 9: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, toffee sauce, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until smooth and fluffy.
Step 10: Frost the cooled cupcakes evenly, then sprinkle with crushed toffee pieces for garnish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the toffee bits lightly before folding them into the batter to enhance their crunch and aroma.
If you prefer a richer cupcake, substitute whole milk with buttermilk or add a tablespoon of sour cream to the wet ingredients.
Try using different flavored toffee sauces, like salted caramel, to customize the frosting.

Storage

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze without frosting for up to 2 months. Allow frozen cupcakes to thaw completely before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

Two cupcakes sit on a white plate with a gold edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has a textured, light brown base with dark brown specks visible through the white paper liner. On top, there is a thick swirl of creamy white frosting, layered twice with a soft, smooth texture. Over the frosting, there are drizzles of caramel-colored syrup and dark chocolate syrup, creating a glossy contrast. The cupcakes are finished with a mound of finely chopped light brown nuts covering the top, adding a crunchy texture. The image is clear and close-up, emphasizing the rich details of the toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.

How do I make homemade toffee sauce?

Homemade toffee sauce typically combines butter, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla cooked together until thickened. There are many simple recipes online that can provide a rich, fresh alternative to store-bought sauce.