APPLE SPICE CUPCAKES

Apple Spice Cupcakes image

Not only do these adorable cupcakes complement our apple theme, but they're super sellers at bake sales, too. A spice cake mix makes the moist treats a snap to stir up and a fast frosting helps them stand out from an orchard of goodies.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 package spice cake mix (regular size)
1-1/4 cups water
3 eggs
1/3 cup applesauce
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
Red paste or liquid food coloring
24 pieces black licorice (3/4 inch)
12 green spice gumdrops

Steps:

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 in 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 241 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 48mg cholesterol, Sodium 222mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.