Also, today my friend Micah from Micah Folsom Photography is having a photography giveaway. Micah is an amazingly talented photographer and if you happen to be lucky enough to be in the Oklahoma or Utah area, go check out her giveaway. I wish she still lived here so she could take pictures of my little "apple".
Source: adapted from America's Best Recipes
1 (18.25-ounce) package spice cake mix
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large apple)
35 caramels
1/4 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream (or regular milk)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
24 wooden craft sticks
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vegetable oil until incorporated (about 30 seconds). Scrape sides of bowl and then beat on med-high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in chopped apple.
2. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
3. Meanwhile, combine caramels and milk in a medium saucepan over very low heat; stir 4 minutes or until smooth. It's very important to keep the heat very low because if the caramel gets too hot it will become really hard when cooled.
4. Spread caramel mixture over cupcakes being careful to not touch the caramel to the paper liners or it will stick to the liners; immediately sprinkle with pecans, pressing in slightly. Insert a wooden stick into center of each cupcake. Store covered in an airtight container. It's best to serve the cupcakes the same day that you add the caramel topping. Caramel will soften if kept at room temperature for too long so store in the refrigerator until ready to serve then let come to room temperature to let caramel soften up a bit.
Makes 20-24 cupcakes.
Seriously, my mind is so freaking out over the awesomeness of this, I can't possibly convey it in words. So telling the hubby to pick up some caramels on the way home!
Those are perfectly munchable. And cute. I just want to squeeze their little cheeks. If they had cheeks that is.
We kind of have to do the same thing in TX for awhile. Although, we've been blessed the past few weeks to have some cool mornings. These cupcakes look adorable and sound delish.
So awesome and look amazing!
oh. my. i will DEFINITELY be making these. yum.
I made a version of these for my son's vintage carnival birthday party last year and they are delicious. Definitely don't top them though until a couple hours before serving. I did them about 2 hours before the party, and by an hour into the party-the caramel had seaped into the cupcakes. It doesn't look as good, and it kind of take away the effect. They are delicious though!
Yum! This looks & sounds so delicious.
These are adorable- and sound delicious!!
Mmm, those are so cute and look delicious!
These are really beautiful Christy! Great Photo!
Ditto all the above comments. Brilliant idea!
Such a comforting recipe! I love autumn!
Ok these look amazing. And i WILL take your family's pictures someday:) Even if I have to fly back to Florida to do it!
Oooo! Caramel apples are way too healthy for me anyway, hehe. Cupcakes are definitely more my style.
These are too cute and so easy! Love 'em. And I think I agree I am more excited about cooking this fall than pumpkin!
Droooool! Love these!
Although I'm not one to typically use a boxed cake mix I actually might give this a try. They look and sound delish!
What an incredible idea ! I LOVE THIS !!! thanks so much for sharing the recipe.
I'm a new follower and I can't wait to make some of your recipes!
Yummo! And I get the feeling these won't stick in my teeth like a caramel apple would... Bonus!
These look so stinkin cute! I have been craving apple and pumpkin for the last few weeks, too! I love using a cake mix and pumpking it up like you did here - These would be great for a pumpkin carving party we are going to in a few weeks...thanks for sharing this!
I love this cupcake recipe! Thanks for share.
These looks so fun! and yummy too!
They look great! Love the lolly sticks, great idea!
I bring baked goodies into the staff every Monday morning. These will be a must! Everyone will go crazy over these.
Chris
(www.melecotte.com)
Too cute! Perfect for fall!
Hello, New on you blog.
They looks so delious. I want one rigth now for breakfast. Such a nice idea also.
Just found your blog and I love it! bookmarked this recipe!
I saw your recipe on Save the Date for Cupcakes, love it, looks delicious. Greetings from Madrid
The only thing I would add would be to sprinkle some of the Heath Toffee pieces you can get in the baking aisle next to the chocolate chips on top (I put it in apple pies, too). But I'm a toffee-apple nut!