A couple of my coworkers made some caramel apple cupcakes from a mix they picked up at Walmart.  It was so good, I decided I would give it a try. I picked up a vanilla cake mix (they didn’t have the caramel apple mix when I was there) and  made  the cupcakes as directed on the box adding caramel sauce and apple butter.

I used the same frosting that I used for my caramel frosting that I use when I make pumpkin cupcakes with a minor tweak.  This simple frosting  turns out perfect every time.  It is my standard go-to frosting and that I use for parties, bake sales, and even my daughters wedding.

CARAMEL APPLE CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS

• Vanilla cake mix (or use caramel apple cake mix)
• 3 Eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1/4 cup caramel topping

CARAMEL APPLE CUPCAKE DIRECTIOINS

Make cake according to package direction adding the apple butter and caramel topping.

BROWN SUGAR & CARAMEL FROSTING INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup Crisco, butter, or 1/2 Crisco and 1/2 butter combo
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup thick caramel topping
• 1/4 cup milk, milk substitute, or heavy cream as needed

BROWN SUGAR & CARAMEL FROSTING DIRECTIONS

With electric mixer, beat butter or crisco until creamy.  Add apple butter and caramel topping to butter/crisco and mix another few seconds. Add powdered sugar (4 cups) and milk as needed.

Continue beating  until frosting is blended and fluffy.

NOTE: The amount of milk will vary depending on the thickness of your caramel sauce. Add more powdered sugar if too thin.