Foodie Friday: Simple Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes & Praline Icing

Jason and I were sitting around sewing one night. We had eaten an early dinner, so I wanted to make a cake. I had a Betty Crocker Classic Yellow cake mix, but that just didn't sound great. We wanted more than just yellow cake. So, I improvised and came up with this DELICIOUS, and super easy, apple cinnamon cake. It was perfect for our cozy night in, but I am pretty sure I am going to make it as loaves for gifts next fall.

This recipe makes 2 dozen cupcakes, or 1 dozen cupcakes and two small loaves, or 2 large loaves (I think).

You will need:

• 1 Classic Yellow Cake mix, and the ingredients for which it calls (minus the oil)
• Applesauce (same amount of oil for which the cake recipe calls, probably 1/2 cup)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 peeled & diced apple (Gala)

1. Preheat oven as directed on your cake mix box (most likely 350)
2. Pour your cake mix and water/milk and eggs into large bowl
3. Add applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg to cake mix and beat together
4. Peel and dice apple and add to cake mix. Beat until incorporated
5. Pour your batter into your greased container(s) and bake as directed on box. Let cool completely before icing

Fresh out of the oven!

For the icing, you will need:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
• 3 tbs milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. In a small saucepan, bring brown sugar, butter, and milk to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly
2. Allow to boil for 1 minute, whisking constantly, and then remove from heat
3. Whisk in vanilla
4. Whisk in powdered sugar in 3-4 parts. In order for sugar to fully incorporate, you may have to put your icing back over the lowest heat setting
5. Place cooled cake on serving plate and pour warm icing over. If you are icing multiple loaves, place loaves on wax paper before pouring icing. Serve immediately