Recipes provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at www.tasteofhome.com

Apple Spice Cupcakes

Not only do these adorable cupcakes complement an autumn party, they’re super sellers at a bake sale, too.  A spice cake mix makes the moist treats a snap to stir up, and a fast frosting helps them stand out from other goodies.

Apple Spice Cupcakes Recipe

Apple Spice Cupcakes

1 pkg. spice cake mix

1 ¼  cups water

3 eggs

1/3 cup applesauce

Frosting:   1 pkg. (8oz.) cream cheese, softened

¼ cup butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Red paste or liquid food coloring

24 pieces black (3/4 inch)

12 green spice gumdrops

Preheat oven to 350 F.  In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, eggs and applesauce on low speed for 30 seconds.  Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.  Bake at 350 F. for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy.  Gradually add sugar, beating until smooth.  Stir in food coloring.

Frost tops of cupcakes.  Insert licorice into center for apple stems.  Cut gumdrops in half; flatten and pinch to form leaves.  Place one leaf next to each stem.

(Recipe for Apple Spice Cupcakes Recipe was in the Taste of Home Cupcakes For Every Season, Display until April 5, 2011)

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