Caramel Apple Cupcakes

These cupcakes define FALL.

They are super easy to make - and really fun for little kids too!

Start with one box of Spice or Carrot Cake mix.

Follow directions on the back of the box.

Slice and dice three big apples.

(Should equal about 2 cups.)

Add the apples to the cake mixture.

Scoop batter into cupcake molds.

(Place in the oven for whatever temperature/time is on the box.)

While the cupcakes are baking, 

unwrap one bag of caramels.

(About 25 of them.)

Add two tablespoons of milk to the caramels, 

and place in the microwave for three minutes.

(Make sure you stop and stir at least twice!)

There are so many ways to dress up the cupcakes.

Take your pick!

Option #1 -

Pour the caramel over the top of the cupcakes, and add sliced pecans.

Option #2 - 

Put cream cheese frosting on top...

... then drizzle with caramel and pecans.

Option #3 - 

Add two tablespoons of caramel to the cream cheese frosting...

MIX - and spoon on top of the cupcakes.

Sprinkle with pecans.

Then - this is the cute part - 

add POPSICLE sticks to the cupcakes!

Pop them in the fridge.

I think they're served best COLD.

Yummm.

Just like a caramel apple.

Enjoy!