Applesauce Cupcakes Using Cake Mix Recipes

APPLESAUCE-FILLED CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) or to temperature indicated on cake mix package. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
• Pour cake mix into bowl and add 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Prepare cake batter (with vegetable oil and eggs) according to package directions.
• Fill muffin cups 2/3 full, and bake according to package directions (typically 18 to 21 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean.
• Remove muffin pans from the oven, and allow to cool.
• Cut a plug about 1-1/2" inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter out of the center of each cupcake. Fill the opening with about 2 teaspoons applesauce or enough to fill hole.
• Beat together the confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, and milk until mixture can be drizzled. If too thin, add more sugar; if too thick, add more milk. Drizzle icing over top of cupcake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Allow icing to dry before serving.

SCHOOL DAYS APPLESAUCE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, beat cupcake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir in milk; return to a boil. Remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Frost cupcakes. (If frosting becomes thick, stir in 1/2 teaspoon milk.)
• For each cupcake, pipe computer keyboard and screen onto 2 chocolate candy bars. Pipe frosting on 1 long edge of keyboard; place screen onto keyboard. Pipe small amount of frosting on bottom of computer; place on cupcake. Store loosely covered.

APPLESAUCE SPICE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce., Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Frost cooled cupcakes.

ADORABLE APPLESAUCE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
• In large bowl, beat cupcake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
• Bake 18 to 23 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in pans 10 minutes; carefully remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Stir paste food color into frosting in container. Spread frosting over cupcakes.
• To decorate cupcakes, poke 1 pretzel piece into each cupcake for stem. Cut each gumdrop leaf into 3 slices. Poke 2 gumdrop leaves into top of each cupcake on either side of pretzel stem. Poke half of gummy worm into each cupcake. Store loosely covered.

CARAMEL APPLE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups. Make cake batter as directed on box; gently stir in applesauce and apple pie spice. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
• Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In small microwavable bowl, microwave caramels and half-and-half on High 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Let cool about 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Dip tops of cupcakes into caramel mixture, then sprinkle with peanuts.

APPLESAUCE SPICE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl.
• Mix well.
• Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until cupcakes test done.
• Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
• Frost cooled cupcakes if desired.
• *This can also make this cake in a 15 x 10 inch baking pan and frost.