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Special equipment: Cupcake corer
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For the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flours, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the sugar and butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until just incorporated.
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Beat in the vanilla.
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Reduce the mixing speed to low.
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Add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk.
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Beat until combined.
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Divide the batter evenly among the lined cups, filling each three-quarters full.
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Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes.
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Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
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For the filling: Combine the sugar and 1 tablespoon water into a medium bowl over medium-high heat.
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Constantly stir until the sugar dissolves into a liquid form.
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The sugar will dissolve and start to turn brown.
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Once the sugar and water have completely dissolved, add in the butter and vanilla.
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Slowly whisk in the heavy cream.
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Let cool for 10 minutes.
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Refrigerate for 1 hour to let the caramel thicken before using.
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For the frosting: Beat the butter and cream cheese until light and creamy.
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Add in the vanilla.
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Add in the powder sugar, 1 cup at a time, incorporating fully before next addition.
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Add milk as needed if the frosting is too thick.
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Place the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
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Once the cupcakes have cooled, pull out the centers with a cupcake corer.
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Melt down the butter.
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Mix together some cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
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Using a rubber brush, brush the melted butter onto the cupcakes, then roll the tops of the cupcakes into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Fill the cupcakes with the caramel sauce.
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Frost cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, dust with more cinnamon and sugar.
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If you choose, drizzle the cupcakes with leftover caramel sauce.