Turtle Cupcake

Craving the perfect mix of caramel, chocolate and pecans?  Instead of picking up a box of turtles, why not make this yummy turtle inspired cupcake.  Or better yet, get both!  After all, turtles never go to waste and you can always garnish your cupcakes with turtles too!  For this delicious take on a turtle cupcake-style you'll need...

• Chocolate Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Store bought Chocolate Icing
• 1/4 cup of Caramel Sauce (plus more to add on top of each cupcake) 
• 1/2 cup of Pecan Pieces (plus more to garnish if you'd like)
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish (optional): Pecan Pieces, Whole Pecans, Turtles 

And here's the recipe...

Step 1: Follow the direction of your Chocolate Cake Mix - from preheating your oven through to adding the eggs, oil, water, etc.  Add 1/4 cup of Caramel Sauce.  Mix together until the batter is smooth..

Step 2: Add 1/2 cup of Pecan Pieces and stir until fully incorporated.  Spoon the batter into your cupcake pan liners around 3/4 of the way. Don't overfill your cupcake liners because you'll need some space between the cupcake and the top of the liner to act as a barrier to top the cupcake with a little caramel sauce.  Place in the oven and bake as directed on package.  Once done, cool completely before icing. 

Step 3: As if that's not turtle inspired enough, it's time to add a second layer of turtle inspiration. Before assembling your cupcakes, you'll need to whip up your chocolate icing by mixing together your chocolate store bought icing and butter on high until smooth.  Taste the icing and add more icing sugar if it tastes too buttery for your liking.

Step 4: Now it's time to assemble your turtle inspired topping.  Spoon or pour around 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of Caramel Sauce in the middle of your cupcake - this was why it was important not to overfill your cupcake liners.  The Caramel Sauce will slowly absorb into the cupcake after decorating - DELICIOUS! Then, add 3 to 4 Pecan Pieces on top of the Caramel Sauce.

Step 5: Finally, it's time to ice your cupcakes.  Because of the Pecan Pieces and Caramel Sauce, it's easier if you use a piping bag and tip, but if you'd like to can try spooning it on.  And last, but not least, it's time to garnish your cupcakes!  I used a few Pecan Pieces, but you can use a Whole Pecan or a Turtle if you'd like.

Happy Faking!