Making salted caramel swirl cupcakes is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for success:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, incorporating the vanilla extract until well mixed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Add Caramel Sauce: Gently fold in ½ cup of salted caramel sauce, creating swirls in the batter. Do not overmix for a marbled effect.
7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare Additional Caramel: If desired, prepare extra salted caramel sauce for drizzling over the cooled cupcakes.
11. Top with Caramel: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for extra flavor.
12. Sprinkle Sea Salt: Finish by sprinkling a few flakes of sea salt on top of each cupcake to enhance the caramel flavor.

Follow these easy steps, and you’ll create the most mouthwatering salted caramel swirl cupcakes that everyone won’t stop talking about!