Salty and Sweet Chocolate Stout Cupcakes

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This easy chocolate cupcake recipe has a salty, sweet twist! With rich stout undertones, a salty pretzel crunch and a sweet caramel drizzle, these chocolaty bad boys are the ultimate decadent treat.

When the going gets tough, the tough get baking… with BEER. I kid you not, beer + chocolate cupcakes = literally the greatest thing ever. And I mean literally literally, not figurative literally where people are like “it took literally a million years” and you’re just like “No, that’s literally impossible.”

But I digress… word misuse and pet peeves aside, chocolate cake-y stuff and dark beer really is, literally, one of the greatest pairings of all time.

Even if you’re not a fan of beer, YOU. HAVE. TO. TRY. THIS.

And in case chocolate and beer weren’t decadent enough for you (I mean, you deserve the best of the best, the most decadent of most decadent, right?), I threw some crushed pretzels and caramel on these babies. We’re going all Emeril Lagasse on these cupcakes over here like… BAM! Pretzels! BAM! Sweet caramel sauce!

THIS is your midweek pick-me up calling.

How to make these easy chocolate cupcakes

First, heat the milk and chocolate for the cupcakes until the chocolate has melted. In a large bowl, beat the egg until light and fluffy. Add the oil and continue beating until combined.

Whisk in the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, and the chocolate/milk mixture until the batter is lump-free.

Gently whisk in the beer. If you’re too aggressive with your whisking, it will make the beer too frothy.

Pour the batter into a lined cupcake pan, filling each liner 2/3 of the way full. Bake at 350F for 18-20 minutes.

Second, combine the granulated sugar and water for the frosting in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer registers 240F/115C.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks.

On low, pour the hot syrup into the egg whites, increase the speed to high, and beat until the bowl is no longer warm to the touch.

On low, begin adding the butter piece by piece until all the butter has been added.

Add the vanilla extract, increase the speed to high, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Finally, spoon the frosting into a piping bag with a large, round tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, drizzle with caramel sauce and top with crushed pretzels.

Tips for making these chocolate stout cupcakes

• Knowing when your cupcakes are done: There are two ways to test for doneness. 1. Insert a tooth pick in the center of the cupcakes and if it comes out clean, it’s done. 2. Gently press the top of the cupcake and if it almost immediately springs back, it’s done.
• Looking to save a little time? You can skip the homemade frosting and opt for store bought. You’ll need approximately 1 lbs.
• If you’re making the frosting in this recipe, don’t be discouraged if it looks curdled after you add the butter. The butter and meringue will separate slightly before coming back together. Just keep whipping the frosting.
• The secret to smooth, air-bubble free frosting: Once the frosting has come together, turn your stand mixer down to low and continue whipping it for about 5 minutes. This should work out most of the air bubbles.
• Fill that piping bag like a pro: Spoon your frosting onto a large piece of plastic wrap, roll and twist the ends. Trim one end so there’s about ½” in length, drop your frosting into the piping bag (short end first) with the tip already on and pipe!
• Getting that perfect frosting swirl: To get that perfect swirl to hold your caramel, pipe your frosting onto the tops of your cupcakes. Then, using the back of a spoon, drag the tip through the frosting while you turn the cupcake
• Storing frosted cupcakes: While cupcakes are always best when eaten the same day they’re made, these can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it went in the comments below. Better still, snap a photo and tag it on Instagram with #thesimplesweetlife. I love seeing your creations!

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If you liked this recipe, you might also like…

• Chocolate and bourbon caramel cupcakes
• Chocolate hazelnut cupcakes
• Fudge sundae cake

Update Notes: This post was originally published in May of 2016 but was republished with step-by-step photos and tips in June of 2019.

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