In a saucepan, whisk together the cream, brown sugar and egg yolks until smooth. Cook over medium low heat, whisking constantly, until thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, bourbon, pecans, coconut and salt. Cover and let cool at room temperature for several hours.
Vanilla Buttercream
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter and shortening together until smooth.
With the mixer on low, add the powdered sugar and meringue powder until combined. Add the salt, vanilla and milk, and whip on medium high until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
Chocolate Buttercream
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter until smooth.
With the mixer on low, add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder and meringue powder until combined. Add the salt, vanilla and milk, and whip on medium high until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
Assembly
To assemble, use a cupcake corer to remove the centers of each cupcake.
Fit two piping bags with large star tips and fill with vanilla and chocolate buttercreams. Pipe a swirl of buttercream around the edge of the cupcakes.
Spoon the caramel filling into the center.
If you like, sprinkle the top of the cupcakes with toffee bits.
Keyword Caramel, Chocolate Cupcakes, Cupcakes, German chocolate