Zucchini Cupcakes (TOH)

By hmp13

* original recipe contains 1 1/3 cups sugar and 1/2 cup canola oil.

Ingredients

• CARAMEL FROSTING:
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1-1/2 cups shredded zucchini
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 to 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, orange juice and extract.
Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to egg mixture and mix well.
Stir in zucchini.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

For frosting, combine the brown sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cool to lukewarm.

Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until frosting reaches spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes.