Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress and warm hearts, then look no further than the Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe. These delightful little treats are not only rich and moist but also infused with a deep caramel flavor that feels like a cozy hug in cupcake form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cupcakes bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion, making them a favorite in my kitchen.

Each bite is filled with gooey toffee sauce and topped with creamy buttercream, making them the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re sharing them at a potluck or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, these cupcakes will surely become a beloved recipe in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have delicious cupcakes in no time.
• Family Friendly: These sticky toffee cupcakes are a hit with both kids and adults alike—perfect for all ages!
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake them ahead of time and store for later; they taste just as good when reheated.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of dates and muscovado sugar creates an irresistible depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe! The ingredients are simple and wholesome, bringing out the best flavors in these cupcakes.

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 and Buttercream

• 50g (1.75 oz) unsalted butter
• 50g (1.75 oz) dark muscovado sugar
• 50ml (1.75 fl oz) double cream
• 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (7 oz) icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Try Different Sugars: Use light brown sugar if you prefer a milder sweetness.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
• Fruit Twist: Fold in some chopped apples or pears for extra moisture and flavor.

How to Make Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Date Mixture

Start by soaking those chopped dates along with bicarbonate of soda in boiling water for 15-20 minutes. This step softens the dates, making them easier to blend into the batter while also ensuring that they add plenty of moisture to your cupcakes.

Step 2: Prepare Oven and Tin

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tin with cases. This setup gets everything ready so that once your batter is mixed, you can pop it straight into the oven without any delays!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with dark muscovado sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture, leading to beautifully risen cupcakes that are soft on the inside.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Treacle

Add each egg one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in treacle afterward; this adds that rich color and flavor that makes sticky toffee cupcakes so special!

Step 5: Fold in Flour and Dates

Gently fold in self-raising flour followed by your soaked date mixture. Be careful not to overmix—as tempting as it may be—because you want those lovely airy bubbles trapped inside your batter!

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide your batter evenly among the lined cupcake cases. Bake for 20-22 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 7: Make the Toffee Sauce

In a saucepan, melt together butter and dark muscovado sugar over low heat until smooth. Then whisk in double cream until well combined; this rich sauce is what makes these cupcakes truly indulgent.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream

In another bowl, beat together softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted icing sugar while continuing to mix, then add milk and vanilla extract until you reach that perfect frosting consistency.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cupcakes

Once cooled, cut out a small hole from each cupcake’s center; fill it with warm toffee sauce before topping it off with delicious buttercream frosting! Drizzle more sauce over each one for that extra special touch.

Now you’re all set! Enjoy baking these delightful Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes—they truly are as comforting as they sound!

Pro Tips for Making Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Baking these delightful cupcakes can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh dates: Fresh dates will provide the best flavor and moisture for your cupcakes, ensuring they turn out rich and sticky.
• Don’t overmix: When folding in the flour and date mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so check your cupcakes a minute or two before the timer goes off. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they are ready.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing your cupcakes to cool completely before decorating prevents the buttercream from melting and helps maintain their shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter that traps air better, resulting in fluffier cupcakes.

How to Serve Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Presentation is key when serving these scrumptious cupcakes! Here are some ideas to make them shine at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the buttercream for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate shavings: A light dusting of dark chocolate shavings can complement the rich caramel taste beautifully.
• Fresh mint leaves: A small sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm sticky toffee sauce, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad with berries, apples, and citrus provides a light balance to the richness of the cupcakes.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream offers a luscious topping that complements the flavor profile perfectly.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the overall experience, making it feel cozy and inviting.

Enjoy baking and sharing your Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or a cozy night in. You can prepare them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the cupcakes entirely before freezing.
• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• For a warm treat, microwave each cupcake for about 10-15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe that you might find helpful.

Can I substitute fresh dates instead of dried ones in the Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh dates; however, you may need to adjust the quantity as fresh dates are typically larger and contain more moisture. Ensure they are pitted and chopped well.

What can I use instead of treacle in the Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe?

If you don’t have treacle, you can substitute it with golden syrup or maple syrup. Both will provide sweetness and a lovely flavor twist.

How can I make my buttercream frosting fluffier?

To achieve a fluffier buttercream, ensure your butter is at room temperature and beat it thoroughly before adding icing sugar. Incorporating air will give it a light texture.

Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?

While dark muscovado sugar gives the cupcakes their rich caramel flavor, you can substitute it with light brown sugar if needed. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

How long do these cupcakes last once decorated?

Once decorated, these cupcakes should be consumed within 2-3 days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! These delightful treats are not only easy to make but also offer a comforting taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy whipping up this sweet indulgence, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures with friends and family. Happy baking!