Bake drool-worthy caramel latte cupcakes from scratch by measuring, mixing, baking, and decorating with caramel drizzle and frosting under adult supervision.



Step-by-step guide to bake drool-worthy caramel latte cupcakes
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and place cupcake liners in a 12-cup cupcake pan.
Step 2
Measure 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt into a medium bowl.
Step 3
Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
Step 4
Measure 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened and 3/4 cup granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl.
Step 5
Cream the butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy about 2 minutes.
Step 6
Crack 2 eggs into a small bowl then add them and 1 teaspoon vanilla to the creamed butter and beat until smooth.
Step 7
Warm 1/2 cup milk slightly with adult help then stir in 1 tablespoon instant coffee until dissolved and let it cool a little.
Step 8
Pour the cooled milk-coffee into the butter-egg mixture and mix until combined.
Step 9
Add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined do not overmix.
Step 10
Spoon the batter into the lined cups filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 11
Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean then have an adult remove the pan and place cupcakes on a cooling rack.
Step 12
Measure 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons caramel sauce 1 teaspoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water and 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream into a mixing bowl.
Step 13
Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy adding a little more cream if you need a spreadable texture.
Step 14
Frost each cooled cupcake with the frosting then drizzle extra caramel sauce over the tops and sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt if you like.
Step 15
Share your drool-worthy caramel latte cupcakes on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


Help!?
What can I use if I don't have instant coffee or heavy cream for the frosting?
If you don't have instant coffee, dissolve 2 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee in the warmed 1/2 cup milk called for in the batter, and for the 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream in the frosting you can use 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed into 1/4 cup whole milk as a substitute.
My cupcakes turned out dense or sank in the middle—what step likely caused it and how can I fix it?
Dense or sunken cupcakes usually result from overmixing after you 'Add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined,' so next time fold the flour in with a spatula until only streaks disappear, be sure the oven is fully preheated to 350°F, and avoid opening the oven door during baking.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages so it's safe and fun?
Let preschoolers do simple tasks like placing cupcake liners and sprinkling a tiny pinch of sea salt (with supervision), school-age kids can measure ingredients and operate the mixer for the 'Cream the butter and sugar' step with guidance, and teens can handle warming the milk, dissolving the coffee, and piping the frosting independently.
What are easy ways to enhance or personalize the caramel latte cupcakes after baking?
To customize, stir 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans or toffee into the batter before spooning into the lined cups, pipe the coffee-caramel frosting with a star tip, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the tops, and finish with flaky sea salt or a chocolate-covered espresso bean.
Watch videos on how to bake drool-worthy caramel latte cupcakes
Facts about baking and kitchen safety for kids
☕️ ‘Caffè latte’ means ‘coffee and milk’ in Italian; adding espresso or strong coffee to batter gives cupcakes a real latte flavor.
⏱️ Overmixing cupcake batter can make cupcakes dense — mix just until the ingredients are combined for fluffy results.
🍯 Caramel forms when sugar heats and browns (around 320°F / 160°C), turning sweet sugar into rich, toffee-like flavor.
🧁 The term “cupcake” originally referred to cakes baked in small cups or made using cup-measure recipes — tiny and easy to share!
👩🍳 Warm caramel drizzle looks shiny and tastes amazing, but always have an adult handle very hot caramel to avoid burns.


Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required