Chocolate-Frosted Golden Cupcakes with Caramel and Pretzels

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Cake

1. 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
3. 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
4. 1/8 teaspoon salt
5. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
6. 2 large eggs, at room temperature
7. 1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
8. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
9. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
10. 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature

Frosting and topping

1. 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2. 1/2 cup heavy cream
3. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4. 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
5. Pinch of salt
6. Crushed pretzels, for topping
7. Caramel sauce, for topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or foil liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the cornstarch, baking powder and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the sugar with the eggs and vanilla extract at medium-high speed until smooth and thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the butter and oil and beat until incorporated, scraping the bottom and side of the bowl. Add the dry ingredients and milk in 3 alternating batches, beating well between additions. Carefully pour the batter into the lined muffin tins, filling them about two-thirds full.
4. Bake the cupcakes in the center of the oven for 20 to 23 minutes, until springy and a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool slightly in the muffin tin, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Put the chopped chocolate in a heatproof medium bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the cream with the butter, corn syrup and salt until hot but not boiling. Immediately pour the mixture over the chocolate. Let stand for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let the frosting cool, whisking occasionally, until thick enough for dipping and glazing the cupcakes, about 30 minutes. For a frosting firm enough to spread, let stand for 1 hour.
6. Frost the cooled cupcakes, top with the crushed pretzels and caramel sauce and serve.