Salted Caramel and Pecan Cupcakes

Filipino Style Recipe: The salted caramel sauce is very easy to prepare compared to the usual cupcake frosting. The salt balances the sweetness of the cupcakes and the pecan gives it a crunch. The cupcakes are also moist and creamy. I would say this is one of my favorite combination for a cupcake.

Estimated time of preparation: 20 minutes
Estimated time of baking: 18 minutes (plus preheating time)
Good for 16-18 medium cupcakes

Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
5 tablespoon butter, softened
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 egg yolks
1 3/4 all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sour cream

For the toppings:
1/4 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon salt
18 pieces glaze pecans

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites and cream of tartar and mix with hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
2. Using a stand mixer, mix the butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until well combined, around 3 minutes. Add the egg yolks and vanilla until well blended.
3.Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Alternate adding the sour cream and dry ingredients in 3 parts in to the butter mixture until just blended.Do not overmix. Fold in the egg whites to the batter until evenly combined.
4. Fill cupcake liners until 1/2 full and bake into preheated oven at 350 Fahrenheit for 15 -18 minutes or until toothpick inserted at the middle of cupcake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool before piping the frosting

Part 2
1. In a pan over low heat, put the caramel sauce and continuously stir until it starts to rapidly bubble and thickens. Remove from heat and stir salt. Let it cool. Scoop about 1/2 teaspoon into the top of each cupcake then top with pecan.