Caramel Apple Cupcakes

And so the apple recipes continue.  I am not a fan of caramel apples. I am not a fan of caramel ANYTHING, yet I do occasionally realize that there are other people for whom I cook and thus the caramel apple cupcakes were baked.  I was hoping that I would enjoy these cupcakes minus the caramel topping, yet like other baked goods that topping is really needed to even out the flavor of the cupcake.  Brian claims these are pretty good - I am not a fan.  I am bringing them to a family party later today so we will have a larger groups opinion soon.

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

• 1 1/4 c Flour
• 2 t Baking Powder
• 1/2 t Cinnamon
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 c Brown Sugar
• 1/2 c Sugar
• 1/4 c Oil
• 1/4 c Applesauce
• 2 t Vanilla
• 3-4 Apples, shredded or chopped

Caramel Glaze

• 1 - 1 1/2 c Caramels
• 1T Milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  Line cupcake pans with papers and set aside.
2. Combine all ingredients and mix well
3. Fill each cupcake paper with about 1/4 c of batter.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center of the cupcakes removes clean.   
5. Remove cupcakes from oven and allow to cool.  
6. While cupcake cool, combine caramels and milk in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.  
7. Either dip the cupcakes in the caramel, or drizzle the caramel over the cupcakes and allow the caramel to harden.

These are VERY simple to make.  I wish I liked them more, then I would probably make them all the time.  The recipe make 24 small cupcakes (or 12 LARGE ones) and they are about 102-105 calories a piece.  If you do not top them with caramel they are about 90 calories a piece.  All in all if you enjoy caramel apples give this recipe a try - and don't forget to let me know your thoughts.

It has been brought to my attention that I need to give this recipe another shot - sometime when my allergies are not acting up and making me miserable.  Therefore I plan on trying it again sometime in the near future and I will let you know if my opinion changes!