Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that brings warmth to any gathering, look no further than the Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe. These delightful little treats are not only rich and moist but also bursting with a deep caramel flavor that will make your heart sing. Perfect for busy weeknights or family get-togethers, these cupcakes offer a comforting sweetness that everyone will love.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the company of your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this beloved recipe that promises to become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can master these cupcakes.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the rich flavors and sweet buttercream topping.
• Make Ahead: These cupcakes store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.
• Perfectly Indulgent: The combination of dates and muscovado sugar gives them a unique depth of flavor that is truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cupcakes are made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious treat!

For the Cupcakes

• 100g (3.5 oz) dried dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 150ml (5 fl oz) boiling water
• 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (3.5 oz) dark muscovado sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp treacle or black treacle
• 150g (5.5 oz) self-raising flour

For the Toffee Sauce

• 50g (1.75 oz) unsalted butter
• 50g (1.75 oz) dark muscovado sugar
• 50ml (1.75 fl oz) double cream

For the Buttercream

• 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (7 oz) icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to customize your Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes:

• Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try Different Toppings: Swap the buttercream for a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a lighter touch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warmth and depth.
• Use Different Sugars: Experiment with light brown sugar if you prefer a milder flavor.

How to Make Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Date Mixture

Soak your chopped dates along with bicarbonate of soda in boiling water for about 15-20 minutes. This step softens the dates and enhances their natural sweetness, which is essential for achieving that signature sticky texture.

Step 2: Prepare Oven and Tin

While the dates are soaking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a cupcake tin with cases so you’re ready to pour in that luscious batter once it’s mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and dark muscovado sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is key as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cupcakes wonderfully light.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Treacle

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in your treacle; this will deepen the flavors and add an extra layer of richness.

Step 5: Fold in Flour and Dates

Gently fold in the self-raising flour followed by the date mixture. Be careful not to over-mix here; we want those lovely pockets of sweetness from the dates throughout!

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide your batter evenly among the cupcake cases and bake them for about 20-22 minutes until they’re golden brown on top. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re ready.

Step 7: Make the Toffee Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together butter and dark muscovado sugar until combined. Gradually whisk in double cream until smooth—this sauce is what dreams are made of!

Step 8: Make the Buttercream

In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy then gradually add sifted icing sugar along with milk and vanilla extract until smooth. This sweet topping perfectly complements those rich cupcakes.

Step 9: Decorate

Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, cut a small hole in each one to fill with warm toffee sauce. Top with buttercream frosting and drizzle more sauce on top for an indulgent finish.

Enjoy baking these tasty treats! They’re bound to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Creating these delectable cupcakes is a joy, and with a few expert tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh dates: Fresh dates provide superior flavor and moisture compared to older ones. They help create the deep caramel taste that is characteristic of sticky toffee desserts.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the flour and date mixture prevents the cupcakes from becoming tough. A light hand keeps them moist and fluffy.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready; if not, give them another minute or two.
• Cool before decorating: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding the buttercream and filling them with toffee sauce. This ensures that your frosting holds its shape and doesn’t melt into the cake.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their moist texture, making them just as delightful on day two!

How to Serve Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

These sticky toffee cupcakes are not only delicious but also have a beautiful presentation that can be enhanced further when served thoughtfully.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the buttercream for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate shavings: Add a few dark chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that pairs beautifully with the caramel notes.
• Fresh mint leaves: A small mint leaf adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside each cupcake creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing balance to the rich sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Custard: Warm custard poured over or served alongside can enhance the overall indulgence, making each bite even more comforting.
• Coffee or tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea complements these sweet treats perfectly, enhancing their flavor while providing a cozy atmosphere.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes will surely impress family and friends! Enjoy baking these delightful treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend freshness for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place the wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the containers with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cupcakes, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• For a warm treat, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds on low power.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe that might help clarify any doubts!

Can I make Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for a vegan version.

What makes Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes so moist?

The combination of dates and muscovado sugar creates a rich, moist texture that is incredibly satisfying.

How do I ensure my cupcakes rise properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Gently fold until just combined!

Can I use other types of sugar instead of dark muscovado?

Yes, you can use brown sugar or light muscovado sugar if that’s what you have on hand, but they will change the flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making these Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes! With their deep caramel flavor and rich texture, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re enjoying them as an everyday treat or serving them at a special gathering, they’re sure to impress everyone. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!