Cupcakes: Apple Spice Cupcakes

By pavaldez

Ingredients

• FROSTING:
• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) spice cake mix
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• Red paste or liquid food coloring
• 24 pieces black licorice (3/4 inch)
• 12 green spice gumdrops

Preparation

Step 1

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

Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° 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 centers for apple stems. Cut gumdrops in half; flatten and pinch to form leaves. Place one leaf next to each stem.

Yield: 2 dozen.