Caramel Apple Cupcake

Well, it's hard to say who won overall, but the first ones gone in both test groups were the Caramel Apple.  Plus, that one was my favourite so it's getting posted first!  The best part of this cupcake, other than the caramel apple slice on top, was the surprise caramel filling.  To make this sweet and caramely delight you'll need...

For the Cake: 

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water...but we're replacing the water for this one)
• Apple Juice Concentrate (to replace the water your recipe calls for)
• Store bought White Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish: Caramel Square or Caramel Apple Slice

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons Milk
• 1 1/2 cups icing sugar

Alright, here's the recipe...

Step 1: For the most part, follow the direction of your White Cake Mix - preheat your oven and add in your eggs and oil, but replace the water with Apple Juice Concentrate. Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners and bake as directed on package. Once done, cool completely.

Step 2: On to the Caramel Filling!  Melt down the butter in a saucepan on the stove.  Add in the Brown Sugar and boil for around 2 minutes stirring constantly - be careful cuz this gets hot!  Next you'll need to remove it from the burner and mix in the milk.  Place it back on the burner and get it back to a boil.  Once it reached a good boil remove it and let it cool to lukewarm and stir in your icing sugar.

Step 3: Using a cupcake corer or small spoon, make a small hole in the centre of your cooled cupcakes.  If you're using a spoon, you may want to use a knife first to create a small circle and use a spoon to scoop it out.  Make sure you don't go too far down into the centre of your cupcake or your filling will fall out from the bottom when you unwrap it.

Step 4: Spoon in your Caramel Filling.  It's easier to do this when it's still a little warm.  Your filling will be plyable and have a consistency of a fudge.

Step 5: Mix together your White Icing and Butter on high until smooth. Give it a taste and if it's too buttery for your taste, add some icing sugar. Pipe your icing on top of your cupcake to cover the filling.  If you're garnishing it with an Apple Slice, be sure to wait until you're ready to serve your cupcake before placing it on top.

Happy Faking!