Sticky Toffee Cupcakes with Chocolate Topping

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These sticky toffee cupcakes with a rich chocolate topping are the perfect blend of indulgence and comfort. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, flavorful cake topped with a decadent layer of velvety chocolate. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. It’s the kind of treat that warms you from the inside out, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Toffee Cupcakes with Chocolate Topping

Let me tell you, this recipe isn’t just about baking a sweet treat—it’s about creating a cozy, feel-good moment. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a delicious snack for yourself, these cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser. I can already see you serving them with pride to friends or family, watching everyone rave about the flavor.
  • Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Sweet satisfaction doesn’t have to break the bank!
  • Quick and Easy: If you’ve been intimidated by the idea of baking cupcakes before, don’t worry—this recipe is beginner-friendly. It’s straightforward, and there’s no stress involved!
  • Customizable: Feel free to tweak this recipe to your liking! You could add some chopped nuts on top for crunch or use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. The options are endless!
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, who can resist sticky toffee and chocolate? These cupcakes are a hit with kids and adults alike. I bet you’ll be asked for the recipe more than once!

Ingredients

Now, let’s talk about the ingredients! These cupcakes come together with a few simple pantry staples, and you’re going to love how they transform into something so divine.

Butter: The foundation of any good cake! Softened butter gives the cupcakes that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.

Brown Sugar: This is where the magic happens—brown sugar adds a lovely depth and a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the toffee.

Eggs: Eggs are key for structure and moisture, keeping the cupcakes soft and fluffy.

Flour: The base of the batter, providing the body for these cupcakes. All-purpose flour works great here!

Baking Powder: A must to give these cupcakes the perfect rise and lightness.

Toffee Sauce: The star of the show! It adds that sticky, indulgent sweetness that makes these cupcakes so irresistible.

Chocolate (for topping): A rich, velvety chocolate topping to make everything just that much more decadent.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have sticky toffee cupcakes in no time.

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cupcakes bake evenly, so they come out perfectly moist and fluffy.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder together before gradually folding them into the wet ingredients. This keeps your batter light and airy.

Stir in the Toffee Sauce: This is the step where the magic happens! Fold in the sticky toffee sauce, ensuring that the batter is smooth and slightly thickened.

Fill the Cupcake Liners: Line your cupcake tin with paper liners and spoon the batter evenly into each cup, filling them about halfway.

Bake to Perfection: Pop the cupcakes in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping: While the cupcakes cool, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Top with Chocolate: Once the cupcakes have cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each cupcake, letting it spill over the sides a little for that extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Cupcakes with Chocolate Topping

These cupcakes are delightful all on their own, but here are a few fun serving ideas to make them even more special:

  • Ice Cream: Serve these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a sweet contrast to the warm, gooey cake.
  • Fresh Berries: Add some fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top is always a win, making each bite even more decadent.

And for the ultimate treat, serve these cupcakes with a hot cup of tea or coffee—trust me, it’s a match made in heaven.

Additional Tips

  • Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
  • Extra Toffee Sauce: Drizzle some extra toffee sauce on top of the cupcakes before serving for that extra sticky sweetness.
  • Storage Tips: Store your leftover cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, even on day three!
  • Double the Batch: These cupcakes freeze beautifully! Freeze them before adding the chocolate topping, and simply thaw them out when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute butter with margarine?
A1: Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter. However, butter adds a richness that you might miss with margarine, so if you can, stick with butter for the best flavor.

Q2: Can I make the toffee sauce from scratch?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade toffee sauce is easy to make with sugar, butter, and cream. Just make sure it’s thick enough to blend into the batter.

Q3: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A3: Yes, you can use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet topping. It will balance beautifully with the sweet toffee flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftover cupcakes?
A4: Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them before adding the chocolate topping.

Q5: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A5: Yes! Freeze the cupcakes (without the chocolate topping) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q6: Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A6: Definitely! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the batter?
A7: Yes, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an added crunch and flavor boost.

Q8: How do I make the toffee sauce thicker?
A8: If you want a thicker toffee sauce, let it simmer for a bit longer on the stove to reduce it. It will thicken as it cools too!

Q9: Can I use another type of sugar instead of brown sugar?
A9: You could substitute with white sugar, but brown sugar really gives the cupcakes that deep, caramelized flavor. It’s worth sticking with!

Q10: How do I make sure my cupcakes don’t overflow while baking?
A10: Be sure not to fill your cupcake liners more than halfway. This gives them room to rise without spilling over.

Conclusion

These sticky toffee cupcakes with a chocolate topping are everything you’ve been looking for in a dessert: simple, indulgent, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just treating yourself (because you totally deserve it), they’ll become a fast favorite in your baking rotation. So, grab your apron and get ready to wow everyone with these irresistible treats. Happy baking!

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Sticky Toffee Cupcakes with Chocolate Topping

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These indulgent cupcakes bring the rich flavors of sticky toffee pudding with the added decadence of a luscious chocolate topping. Perfect for a treat or special occasion.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: british
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 30g sultanas
  • 30g dried apricots
  • 30g dates
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 140g self-raising flour
  • 30g muscovado sugar
  • 1 tablespoon golden syrup
  • 1 large free-range egg
  • 30g melted butter
  • 140ml hot water

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 40g butter
  • 40g caster sugar
  • 40g quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
  • 70ml double cream

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6.
  • Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
    • If using a food processor: Blitz the sultanas, dried apricots, dates, baking powder, and a small amount of flour (just enough to prevent sticking) until finely chopped.
    • If not using a food processor: Finely chop the dried fruit and mix with the baking powder and a little flour.
  • Mix the Cupcake Batter:
    • In a large bowl, combine the chopped fruit mixture with muscovado sugar, golden syrup, egg, and melted butter.
    • Add the very hot water and remaining flour, and mix well with a whisk until smooth.
  • Bake:
    • Line a 12-cupcake tray with cupcake papers (doubling up on the papers can provide extra support).
    • Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake papers.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
    • While the cupcakes are baking, melt the butter, caster sugar, and dark chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously.
    • Once melted and combined, add the double cream and continue to cook for a few minutes until the sauce darkens slightly.
    • Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool and thicken.
  • Top the Cupcakes:
    • Once the cupcakes are cooled, place a dollop of the thickened chocolate topping on each cupcake.

Notes

  • Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor combination.
  • Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness in the topping by using a darker chocolate for a more intense flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 250kcal
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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