Caramel Apple Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

Ingredients:

1 box white cake mix
1 1/4 c. water
1 1/2 c. applesauce, natural
1 egg
1 large apple, finely chopped
1 c. caramel bits

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tins with paper liners and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, applesauce and egg together with a spatula until most of the lumps in the batter are gone. Add the chopped apple and caramel bits and fold into the batter. Pour into the prepared tins about 2/3 of the way full. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Let cool fully on wire racks before frosting.

Meanwhile, to make the frosting combine 1 stick of softened butter, 2-3 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tsp. maple extract, and 2-3 Tbs. milk depending on the consistency of the frosting. Mix until everything is well combined. Pipe or spread onto the top of your cupcakes and decorate with more caramel bits.