chocolate caramel koala ‘self-saucing’ cupcakes for two
on Oct 16, 2014, Updated Jul 30, 2019
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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.
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)
- Serve neat, with a ball of ice cream or a dribble of fresh cream. Don’t burn your mouth!
Notes
Nutrition
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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!
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!
Love these cupcakes! They’re super cute! The koala’s are an amazing idea! I definitely want to try the recipe with freddo’s! 😀
Oh, please do, Jessica … and if you do, take an Instagram piccy so I can see! 🙂
These chocolate cupcakes look so cute, what an amazing idea! I love tee cute koalas 🙂
Thanks so much, Mira … glad you like them!!
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!
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!
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?!?
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!
Self saucing cupcakes? I am so onboard with that. These look and sound delicious.
Thanks, Dannii! Who wouldn’t be on board! These are definitely a naughty but nice treat!
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!
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. 🙂
Hmmm maybe I can try to make these with Freddos?!? Caramel frog cupackes?!?!?! 🙂
Oh, I would so love to see these done with Freddos … take an Instagram picture if you ever try it!
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!
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! 🙂
Such adorable looking cupcakes!
Hi Ami … thanks! They were delicious, too! 🙂