Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe is a delightful dessert that brings together a moist texture and rich, caramel flavor. Made with sweet dates and dark muscovado sugar, these cupcakes are topped with a luscious toffee sauce and creamy buttercream. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive celebration, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of dates and muscovado sugar creates a deep caramel taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cupcakes without any fuss.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, holidays, or just a weekend indulgence, they fit perfectly into any menu.
• Decadent Toppings: The gooey toffee sauce and smooth buttercream elevate these cupcakes to gourmet status.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes 12 servings, perfect for sharing with friends or family!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to make the process seamless. Having the right equipment will ensure that your Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cupcake tin
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring scales
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake tin: Ensures even baking and helps shape the cupcakes.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Makes it easy to achieve a light and fluffy batter.
• Sifter: Helps break up clumps in icing sugar for smooth buttercream.

Ingredients

To create Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 Frosting

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

How to Make Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Date Mixture

Soak chopped dates along with bicarbonate of soda in boiling water for 15-20 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tin

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tin with paper cases.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with dark muscovado sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Treacle

Add eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the treacle until well blended.

Step 5: Fold in Flour and Dates

Gently fold in self-raising flour followed by the soaked date mixture until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the batter evenly into cupcake cases. Bake in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Make the Toffee Sauce

In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter with dark muscovado sugar. Once melted, whisk in double cream until smooth.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream

Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add sifted icing sugar while mixing; add milk and vanilla extract to reach desired consistency.

Step 9: Decorate

Once cooled, cut a small hole in each cupcake’s center to fill with warm toffee sauce. Top each with buttercream frosting and drizzle additional sauce on top for extra indulgence.

Enjoy your delicious Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes!

How to Serve Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Serving Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes can elevate your dessert experience. These delectable treats shine on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can enhance their rich flavors.

Pairing with Tea

• Earl Grey Tea: The citrus notes of Earl Grey complement the sweetness of the cupcakes beautifully.
• Chai Latte: A warm chai latte offers spice that contrasts nicely with the rich toffee flavor.

Adding Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Bananas: Fresh bananas add a creamy texture and a mild sweetness that balances the cupcakes’ richness.
• Berries: Raspberries or strawberries provide a tartness that cuts through the sweet flavors, making for a refreshing contrast.

Serving with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm cupcake, creating a delightful combination.
• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, salted caramel ice cream enhances the toffee flavor while adding a savory touch.

How to Perfect Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

To get the best results from your Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve moist and flavorful cupcakes every time.

• Use fresh dates: Fresh dates will ensure maximum moisture and sweetness in your cupcakes.
• Beat well: Make sure to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy for a better texture.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold in flour and date mixture to maintain a light cupcake structure.
• Check doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes can make your dessert spread even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful options that complement these moist treats perfectly.

1. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that pairs well with the dense cupcakes.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad introduces bright flavors and textures that balance the richness of the cupcakes.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce can enhance the sweetness and add another layer of flavor.
4. Custard: A warm custard offers creaminess that complements each bite of cupcake beautifully.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory counterpoint to the sweet flavors of the cupcakes.
6. Nuts and Seeds Mix: A crunchy mix adds texture and makes for an interesting contrast with soft cupcakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip soaking dates: Not soaking the dates can lead to a dry texture. Always soak them in boiling water to enhance moisture.
• Boldly ignore temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect rise and texture. Ensure your oven is preheated to 180°C before baking.
• Boldly rush the mixing: Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and airy result.
• Boldly forget the measuring: Eye-balling ingredients can ruin your bake. Use precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Boldly neglect cooling time: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause melting. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Freezing Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

• Freeze cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months.
• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 160°C and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes on low power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cupcake in a pan over low heat with a lid; warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to baking or have specific queries, here are some common questions regarding this recipe.

How can I make Mary Berry​ Sticky Toffee Cupcakes gluten-free?

You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Can I use another type of sugar instead of dark muscovado?

Yes, you can use brown sugar as an alternative, but it may slightly change the flavor profile.

What if I don’t have double cream?

You can substitute double cream with heavy whipping cream for similar results in the sauce.

How do I ensure my cupcakes are moist?

Using soaked dates and not overbaking will help keep your cupcakes moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Cupcakes are not only rich and decadent but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or different spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress your family and friends!