Recipe: Apple Pie Cupcakes

Okay, we are getting out of control with the sweets this holiday season! But come on, look at these things. Really? Apple pie cupcakes? Who thinks this stuff up!

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. yellow cake mix (regular)

Apple filling

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 3/4-cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp water
• 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped

Cinnamon buttercream frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups confectioners sugar
• 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Thinly sliced apples, optional

Directions

Cupcakes

1. Prepare and bake according to package directions.

Apple filling

1. Heat butter over medium heat.
2. Add apples and brown sugar; cook and stir until apples are tender, 10-12 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; cool completely.
4. Using a paring knife, cut a 1-in.-wide cone-shaped piece from top of each cupcake; discard removed portion. Fill cavity with apple mixture.