Tasty Treats: Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Hello!

Well folks, we can't deny it anymore. It's officially fall! I think fall is definitely one of the most beautiful seasons...all the colors and the crisp air! One of the things I love the most about autumn is the delicious food and I think these cupcakes are the perfect treat to ease yourself into cooler weather :) I got this recipe from Rachel Ray Everyday October 2010 issue, a great source for awesome recipes-even homemade dog food!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 Gala Apples (about 1 pound), peeled and shredded

1 1/2 cups chewy caramel candies

1 tbsp heavy cream

Start by peeling and shredding your apples. Shredding the apples instead of chopping ensures even distribution in the batter and helps keep the cupcakes moist. You get apple with every bite of caramel!

Arrange a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350˚F. Line a cupcake pan with baking liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Whisk in the oil and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined; stir in the grated apples. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

In a small, microwavable bowl, combine the caramels and cream. Microwave for 1 minute at medium power, then stir; repeat in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Let cool. Spread the frosting generously on the cooled cupcakes. I used a silicone pastery brush, this worked really well and didn't rip apart the top of the cupcake like using a knife or spoon did.

Yum!!!! Gooey sticky goodness! Enjoy!!! :)