APPLE PIE CUPCAKES WITH CINNAMON BUTTERCREAM

Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream image

These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they're just as delicious any other time of year. -Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium tart apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 4 cups)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
FROSTING:
1 cup butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Thinly sliced apples, optional

Steps:

Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for cupcakes., In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add apples and brown sugar; cook and stir until apples are tender, 10-12 minutes. 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., 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., In a large bowl, combine the 5 frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes. If desired, top with apple slices to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 48mg cholesterol, Sodium 221mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (32g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.