When I get cooped up inside, I turn into a ten-year-old. Well, according to Mr. Scrummy I do, anyhow. My bottom lip curls up and out, my shoulders hunch up and I moan and groan (and moan and groan a little bit more) until Mr. Scrummy agrees to go with me on a little trip out somewhere. Somewhere … anywhere!
So a few weeks ago, while we were still in Australia (yes, we’ve left and gone to live in the UK, but more about that some time later …) that grumpy ten-year-old in me came out in force. It was pouring down with rain in that sort of tropical downpour sort of way that is common over there in Perth Australia, but I was still really keen to go out. That might sound crazy, but when I’ve been working at home all week long, the last thing I want to do is stay in all day at the weekend, too. Even if I end up drenched, it seems!
But despite my whining and cajoling, Mr. Scrummy would not relent, not least because the AFL (Australian rules football) final was on TV. I could have stomped off in a huff by myself, of course (with the biggest umbrella I could find), but in the end I decided to just suck it up, behave like the adult I mostly pretend to be am and try to enjoy ‘the unique Aussie experience’ of watching the final while stuffing myself with hot dogs as is the tradition on these sorts of occasions.
And wouldn’t you know it, it wasn’t all that bad. I’m not a huge fan of hot dogs, but I guess it was marginally enjoyable, or at least bearable, to watch the one team slaughtering the other (sorry, Aussie footie fans, but that’s all the enthusiasm I can muster up).
I also decided, on a whim, to make these cute little chocolate muffins (muffins … cupcakes? Take your pick!) for dessert. Now it’s only fair to give full credit for this idea to a little hole-in-the-wall coffee shop we visited recently in one of Melbourne’s marvellous cutesy laneways (Degraves Street, as I remember). Shamefully, I’m afraid I didn’t note down the name of the coffee shop, but if anyone can tell me I’ll be happy to publish it. Anyway, Mr. Scrummy and I had a little giggle at the time because even though the cupcakes were called chocolate caramel koala ‘self-saucing’ cupcakes, what was really going on here was something a little different. But not, I have to add, any less delicious! (hence my copying of the idea!)
So basically I decided to make just two cakes because the finished muffins end up being pretty rich with the addition of the chocolate koala bear. This way, there’s no temptation to have a second (unless of course you make them when you’re by yourself at home!) The muffins themselves are ridiculously easy to make as you simply measure the ingredients into a small bowl with a tablespoon, stir it all together and divide the mixture between 2 cupcake wrappers. Twenty minutes later you’ve then got yourself two hot-out-of-the-oven moist and intensely chocolaty cupcakes to enjoy.
And now for the ‘self-saucing’ part. Hehe.
OK, I admit it … this time I made more than two … and added white chocolate chips!
Push one chocolate caramel-filled koala bear into the top of each cupcake, then pop it into a microwave for about 30 seconds or so. Your chocolate muffin will now be topped and filled with oozy, melty chocolate and caramel and ready to enjoy either neat with a spoon or with a dollop of cream or ice cream on the top. Definitely a cheat’s self-saucing pudding … but absolutely delicious!
Now I know what you’re thinking: ‘Where on earth am I supposed to find a chocolate caramel koala bear when I live X,000 miles from Australia?’ OK, fair point. But I happen to know that in both Greece and in the UK you can get something similar to these Australian ‘Caramelo koalas’ by Cadbury’s called ‘Freddo frogs’. Improvise and I’m sure you’ll find something equally as (in)appropriate to top and stuff your cupcakes with!
chocolate caramel koala ‘self-saucing’ cupcakes for two
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- a large pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips totally optional!
- 3 tablespoons milk I used almond but ordinary is fine
- 1 tablespoon oil I used vegetable but any is fine
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ‘Caramelo Koalas’ or ‘Freddo Frogs’ or similar caramel filled chocolate treats
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350F/175C and line a muffin tin with 2 regular-sized cupcake liners of your choice. (put them in the centre of the tin if you can)
-
Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a smallish bowl, then add the milk, oil and vanilla and stir until just combined.
-
Divide the batter between the 2 cupcake liners, then bake for about 20 minutes or until a skewer stuck into the centre of a cupcake comes out clean.
-
Leave to cool for at least ten minutes (longer is fine), then push one chocolate caramel koala (or substitute!) into the centre of each cupcake (I made a little slit with a knife first so that the koala slipped in better). Put on a plate and microwave for about 30 seconds or until the chocolate treat has melted into and over the cupcake (It's best to take the cupcake wrapper off first)
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Serve neat, with a ball of ice cream or a dribble of fresh cream. Don’t burn your mouth!
Recipe Notes
For my chocolate muffins, I slightly adapted this recipe from The Comfort of Cooking. Thank you! Caramelo koalas may not be available where you live, but you can use Freddo Frogs or any similar caramel-filled chocolate treat you like instead! The first time I made these I added a few white chocolate chips, which looked (and tasted) quite nice, but you don’t have to do this. The dessert ends up quite rich enough! It’s easy to make this recipe for 4. Obviously just double the ingredients!
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[email protected] says
Such adorable looking cupcakes!
Helen says
Hi Ami … thanks! They were delicious, too! 🙂
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen says
Hmmm maybe I can try to make these with Freddos?!? Caramel frog cupackes?!?!?! 🙂
Helen says
Oh, I would so love to see these done with Freddos … take an Instagram picture if you ever try it!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Self saucing cupcakes? I am so onboard with that. These look and sound delicious.
Helen says
Thanks, Dannii! Who wouldn’t be on board! These are definitely a naughty but nice treat!
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
My only gripe is that you say these cupcakes are for 2? Hmmmm, I’m thinking one?!? Yes? I mean, it’s the caramel that put me over the edge, I’m gonna need two of these. I take that back. I need 4. And they are over-the-top cute. I mean, why didn’t I think of self-saucing?!?
Helen says
Ha … well, I am definitely cheating a little on the self-saucing part, Laura … but hey, it works!
I guess the ‘for 2’ part wouldn’t work so well for a family … the recipe is easy to double up to make 4, though. Beyond that you might struggle to get the quantities right but you could always use your favourite cupcake or muffin recipe and do the same thing for the ‘self-saucing’ part!
cheri says
Hi Helen, I definitely need more recipes like this that only serve 2. Looks delicious! Back in the UK….can’t wait to hear this story. Ha!
Helen says
Hi, Cheri! I know … we finally made it! Things are still crazy hectic but we’re getting there. Glad you like the cupcakes … they are definitely a little cheer-up recipe … and without any guilt as it only makes two!
Mary Frances says
Self saucing – you are so creative Helen! We do not have adorable little bears like that (very much so wishing we did) but we have caramel stuffed chocolate candies that would do the trick too! Yes, if I have been inside all day, I just have to go out, regardless of the weather. Props to you for being a wonderful wife and staying home AND making these amazing cupcakes!
Helen says
Oh, I know, I’m pretty good, aren’t I? 😉
Really glad to hear that you would be able to find a sub for the koalas over there, Mary Frances – I thought as much! 🙂
Mira says
These chocolate cupcakes look so cute, what an amazing idea! I love tee cute koalas 🙂
Helen says
Thanks so much, Mira … glad you like them!!
whatjessicabakednext says
Love these cupcakes! They’re super cute! The koala’s are an amazing idea! I definitely want to try the recipe with freddo’s! 😀
Helen says
Oh, please do, Jessica … and if you do, take an Instagram piccy so I can see! 🙂
Kathleen @ hapanom says
These are SO adorable! A dessert recipe with a serving of two is PERFECT! When I make a desert – it’s enough to feed a small army… and it’s just my husband and I! So I end up sending nearly all of it to work with my hubby the next day, because God knows I don’t have much of a sweet tooth – but if it’s in the house, I WILL eat it! This recipe for 2 is much appreciated!
Helen says
So happy you appreciate this, kathleen. We’re the same … as delicious as they are, you just don’t want so much temptation around the house if you make a large batch of something. So I’ve been really getting into the small batch thing recently. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I get the same way when I’m suck inside the house, Helen! I am not one to sit around at all, so I always have to keep myself busy, which usually involves baking or cooking! These cupcakes look phenomenal! Such a great idea to make for two. And that caramel sauce looks so heavenly!
Helen says
So glad you like these, Gayle! My problem is that I have to go OUT, which means even baking doesn’t cut it sometimes 🙁 So glad you like the cupcakes. They were sweet but oh so delicious!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
YUM! I adore these muffins/cupcakes! That melted Koala adds such a level of decadence to these – takes them from bliss to BLISS!!! And kudos to your 10 year old self for not being too upset at the nuking of the koala! 🙂
Helen says
Hahaha … actually, Shashi, it did cross my mind that it was a shame to nuke the koalas!!!
[email protected] Eats says
Oh my gosh, you are my hero of the weekend! CARAMELLO KOALAS are the BEST!! And this self saucing idea is brilliant! (Doesn’t matter that some hole in the wall cafe in Melbourne sells these…) I just showed my friends and everyone thinks this is such an awesome idea! I have a feeling this is going to show up at many birthday parties to come….
Helen says
Hi, Nagi! So happy you approve of these 😉 And I am almost blushing right now at the thought of you showing all your friends (blush, blush … you see!) Great idea, isn’t it? You just have to have a microwave on hand to get those koalas all nice and melted…
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I haven’t seen caramelo bears since I was a teenager which is a very long time ago. Love how the koala melts 🙂
Helen says
Cute, aren’t they? 😉
Allison says
These are pretty much the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! Love this cheater’s sauce!
Helen says
Haha … thanks so much, Allison … a compliment indeed. I really enjoyed making these!
Joanne says
Haha I love these! A friend brought me those caramel koalas from Australia and I, uh, ate them. But if I get my hands on more, these cupcakes are so happening!
Helen says
Ha! Great excuse to ask your friend to bring you more!! Glad you like the idea! 🙂
Eva says
C’est une très bonne idée ces muffins! Chocolat et caramel, un duo gagnant! J’adore la déco
Helen says
Merci, Eva 🙂
Eva says
Chocolat et caramel, un duo gagnant! J’adore la déco
Helen says
Merci, Eva! 🙂
Liz says
Self saucing? LOVE this idea! I’m going to try Rolos and give these a shot 🙂
Helen says
Ooh, how exciting! Do let me know what you think if you do try them! 🙂
marcie says
I’m glad you ended up having a decent time watching the final and eating hot dogs! haha Now these cupcakes are adorable — who can resist a koala bear than turns into a gooey, caramel-chocolate sauce? It’s brilliant, and whether you copied the idea or not makes no difference to me…I love it!
Helen says
Aw, thanks Marcie. These are pretty irrestible, aren’t they? I’d better not make them too often!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
I would absolutely stay in on a weekend if it meant getting to eat these cupcakes, Helen! That’s a fabulous idea with the self-saucing bit. I’m sure I’d have a pretty tough time finding koalas, but I’m thinking Rolos would work. They’re pretty much everywhere. 🙂 Hope you’re settling in to UK life (again) – can’t wait to hear an update! 🙂
Helen says
Rolos would work just fine, Alyssa! You’d just have to balance a little (or big) pile on the top before the microwaving part. Thanks for the good wishes. We’re settling in now – still got things to do but we can do those a bit more slowly. 🙂
Cindy @ Pick Fresh foods says
I too get a bit moody when I’m stuck indoors for too long. I don’t care where I go I just need to get out despite the weather. These cupcakes look delicious and those bears are adorable.
Helen says
So glad you like the cutie little bears, cindy. I’m glad it’s not just me who doesn’t behave very adult-like on such occasions 😉
Ashley says
haha I definitely turn into a grumpy 10 year old sometimes!! And I love these cupcakes – those little koalas are so cute!!
Helen says
Phew … glad I’m not the only one. I guess I did get these cuties out of the experience this time, though. Fair swap. 😉
[email protected] Olives & Garlic says
You sound just like me, I turn into a 10 year old when I’m stuck in the house for too long. But look at these cute cupcakes you created because of it. Maybe you should get stuck inside the house more often.
Helen says
Haha … I like your logic! Great way to look at things. The only problem is I might start putting on a bit of weight 😉
Annie @Maebells says
What a cute idea!! These are darling little cupcakes!
Helen says
Thanks, Annie! 🙂
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Ahahaha I’m dying from you photo of the ‘sauced’ cupcake. Hilarious! I ordered some Vegemite for Ben a few years ago and got a few packs of Caramelo Koalas as well…his eyes lit up even more for the koalas than the Vegemite! These cupcakes look amazing, and so fun 🙂
Helen says
Hahaha … I really had fun making fun of myself over these cupcakes, Denise. Is Ben Australian, then? I’ve never met anyone else who likes Vegemite! Apart from the British perhaps who have something very similar. 🙂
Isadora says
These are adorable, Helen! I love your koala bear cupcakes!! And you guys are quite the jet setters with all your moving around! Every once in a while I will get bored being cooped up in the house, but I’m such a homebody and love any excuse to stay at home all day! I’m not sure I could be trusted at home with a batch of these cupcakes though 🙂
Helen says
Oh really, you like to stay in? I wish I was like that because obviously bloggging (which I enjoy, of course) is an indoor sort of thing. Don’t worry, I can’t be trusted with treats in the house, either … thank goodness I only made 2!
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
This is one of the coolest cupcake recipes I have ever seen! Caramello koalas are my favourite chocolate so these look like heaven to me!!
Helen says
Hi, Jessica! Aren’t they just the coolest? This recipe is one of my favourite in a while! 🙂
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
OMG Helen!!!!!! How ADORABLEEEEE are these cupcakes//muffins!!!!!!! I’m loving the self saucing idea; Can’t wait to get some caramel candy and make these beauties (both for me) hehehe
Helen says
I’ll let you into a secret, Samina … I ate two of these when I first made them, too … so go ahead! Glad you like them so much!