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Chocolate Turtle Cupcakes make the perfect decadent treat! Best of all, they come together easily packed with salted caramel frosting, crunchy pecans, sweet chocolate chips and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce! So delicious!

Turtle Cupcakes

These Turtle Cupcakes are the perfect decadent treat if you are a fan of chocolate turtles with sweet gooey caramel and crunchy pecans in every bite. These chocolate cupcakes are deliciously moist, rich and promise a delectable escape into chocolatey bliss with the perfect harmony of ingredients in every bite.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate cupcake recipe, turtle dessert recipes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 280 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour , such as Bob's Red Mill. You can also sub with gluten-free finely ground oat flour or all purpose flour if you're not gluten-free.
  • 3/4 cup granulated pure maple sugar , you can also sub with granulated monk fruit sweetener for a lower sugar / lower carb option or just regular granulated sugar.
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg , room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk , or preferred milk of choice
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil , you can also sub with melted coconut oil or any neutral oil of your choice.
  • 1/2 cup boiling water

Caramel Buttercream Frosting:

  • 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) vegan butter , softened to room temperature. Regular unsalted butter works too if you're not dairy-free.
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sweetener (such as powdered monk fruit or powdered Swerve) or any powdered sugar of your choice
  • 1/3 cup caramel sauce , homemade or your favorite brand.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp dairy-free creamer (such as Nut Pods or Silk) or heavy cream, if you're not dairy-free

Toppings

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  2. Mix in the egg, vanilla, milk, and vegetable oil until combined. Whisk in boiling water until smooth and incorporated.

    Divide batter among 12 paper lined muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake in preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and tops spring back.

    Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for about 10 minutes before cooling completely on wire rack prior to adding frosting.

  3. Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a bowl using a stand mixer or your hand mixer, cream butter on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 - 4 minutes.

    Beat in powdered sugar and slowly mix on low speed until mixture comes together. Add caramel sauce then vanilla and beat on medium-high speed. Add cream, 1 tablespoon at a time until light and fluffy or desired consistency is reached.

  4. Fill a pastry bag with frosting and pipe onto cupcakes. Top with optional chocolate chips, chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Recipe Notes

How to store:

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the cupcakes and frosting ahead; assemble before serving.
  • Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Turtle Cupcakes
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 280 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Carbohydrates 57g19%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 47g52%
Protein 2g4%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.