Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a Twix bar and wondered how to turn that chocolaty, caramel goodness into something we can enjoy for dessert – well, here’s your answer: Twix Bar Cupcakes! Trust me, these little delights are the perfect blend of a rich chocolate cupcake, that delectable caramel swirl, and oh-so-sweet buttery frosting.
I can still remember the first time I made these cupcakes. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was feeling adventurous in the kitchen. A friend was coming over to binge-watch our favorite shows, and I wanted to impress her with my baking skills (little did I know, she would be more impressed by the cupcakes than my attempts at organizing the ultimate watch party!). From the moment I pulled them out of the oven, the sweet scent wafted through the house, and I knew I had stumbled upon a masterpiece. If you’re a chocolate and caramel lover like I am, you are in for a real treat!
What’s in Twix Bar Cupcakes?
Let’s break down what makes these cupcakes so mouth-wateringly good:
Chocolate Cake Mix: This is the base of our cupcakes, and using a box mix makes this recipe super simple and accessible. I like using a rich chocolate cake mix for that deep chocolate flavor.
Large Eggs: Three large eggs add moisture and richness to the cake, helping it rise perfectly in the oven.
Water: Water helps to create that fluffy texture we all love in a cupcake.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cupcakes moist and tender, making them a delight to eat.
Chopped Twix Bars: The star of the show! Chopped Twix adds chunks of crunchy caramel and chocolatey goodness right into the cupcakes. Don’t skimp on these – a whole cup means seriously decadent bites!
Unsalted Butter: Softened and ready to be whipped into a creamy, dreamy frosting that won’t be neglected.
Powdered Sugar: This sweet ingredient is essential for the frosting, giving it that classic buttery flavor.
Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream makes the frosting rich and velvety.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, sweet undertone that elevates the frosting flavor.
Caramel Sauce: We can’t forget the caramel! We’ll use some in the frosting and drizzle over the top.
Pinch of Salt: Just a little salt to balance out the sweetness – trust me, it goes a long way!
Is Twix Bar Cupcakes Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about whether these cupcakes can be considered “good for you.” While they are certainly a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, they do pack in a few benefits:
Chocolate Cake Mix: If you choose a cake mix made with minimal additives, you can enjoy some quality chocolate without too many concerns. Plus, the joy of chocolate is good for the soul!
Twix Bars: Yes, they’re candy; however, they offer a burst of energy – perfect for those days when you need a little pick-me-up!
That said, keep in mind that these cupcakes are mostly sugar and deliciousness. So, it’s best to save them for special occasions or when you’re ready to treat yourself (or your guests).
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 12 fabulous cupcakes, perfect for sharing (or not!). Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 box chocolate cake mix
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup water
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup chopped Twix bars (plus extra for topping)
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– Pinch of salt
How to Make Twix Bar Cupcakes?
Ready to whip up these little pieces of heaven? Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Get those cupcakes baking!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and well combined. You should be smelling that rich chocolate aroma by now!
3. Gently fold in the chopped Twix bars. This is where the magic happens – trust me, your batter will be looking oh-so-decadent!
4. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full. This prevents overflow and gives them room to rise.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan. (Try not to eat them while they’re still warm – but no judgment if you can’t resist!)
6. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Then, pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
8. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to generously frost each cupcake with the caramel buttercream frosting.
9. Top each cupcake with a piece of Twix candy and drizzle with additional caramel sauce for decoration. Yes, please!
10. Serve and enjoy your delicious Twix Bar Cupcakes! Get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Twix-tastic Tips and Serving Suggestions
These cupcakes are everything, but here are a few insider tips to make them even better:
– **Twix Varieties:** If you want to experiment, try using peanut butter or cookies and cream Twix for a fun spin on the classic!
– **Frosting Variations:** Feel free to make a chocolate buttercream frosting instead if you want an even richer chocolate experience. You can never have too much chocolate!
– **Serve with Ice Cream:** For an ultimate dessert experience, serve these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. Your taste buds will thank you later.
So there you have it! My Twix Bar Cupcake recipe that never fails to impress. I hope you enjoy making and, most importantly, devouring these sweet treats as much as I do. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy baking!
