Salted Caramel Mocha Brownie Cups

Another item I made for the bake sale. As soon as I saw these brownie cups made to be like the starbucks salted caramel mocha drinks, I knew I had to make them. I found this recipe on pinterest (is anyone else addicted to pinterest?)


1 brownie mix
4 tsp instant coffee
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup oil
3 eggs
caramel kisses

Preheat oven to 350.
Dissolve the coffee in the water.
Combine the dissolved coffe with the brownie mix, eggs and oil.
Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 22-24 minutes.
Let cool for 2 minutes, then press a caramel kiss into the center of each brownie cup, move to a wire rack and let cool completely.
When cold, frost and drizzle with caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Salted caramel swiss meringue buttercream
1 3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup heavy cream
pinch of sea salt
2 cups unsalted butter cubed, at room temperature
5 large egg whites
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

First make the caramel sauce by placing 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the
water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stop stirring and cook until caramel is amber. Remove from heat, and slowly add cream, whisking until smooth. Whisk in sea salt and let cool.

To make the frosting, put a few inches of water in a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Put the egg whites and sugar into a bowl that will fit over the pan of water and whick until it reaches 150 degrees and the sugar has all melted. Transfer mixture to the bowl of your stand mixer and whisk on medium speed until the bowl feels cold (this can take up to 10 minutes) add the butter 2 tablespoons at a time, then add the vanilla, a pinch of salt and the caramel sauce.