Apple Cider and Spice Cupcakes

By barbsjustagirl

Ingredients

• 1 box spice cake mix,18.25 oz
• 1 1/3 cup unfiltered apple cider
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup shredded unpeeled Braeburn or Gala apples
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 T. unfiltered apple cider
• Marzipan apples, whole cloves, cinnamon sugar

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin pans with paper liners; set aside. In large bowl, mix cake mix, apple cider, oil and eggs. Beat at low speed with mixer for 30 seconds. Beat at high speed for 2 minutes. fold in shredded apple. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. Bake 18 to 21 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. In a large bowl, beat butter at medium speed with mixer until creamy. Beat in powdered sugar and enough apple cider to achieve a spreadable consistency. Spread over cooled cupcakes. Garnish with marzipan apples, whole cloves and cinnamon sugar if desired. Note: Marzipan apples can be purchased and Whole Foods Market.