Caramel Apple Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Fall has officially arrived. Happy first day of fall everyone! Today was filled with pancakes, bike rides,  an evening on the porch, and cupcakes to end the evening. Not just any cupcakes, caramel apple cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream frosting. If these don't scream fall, then I dont know what does. The cupcakes were a last minute decision, but we are so glad we made them!

Hope helped me make them, and then she helped eat them. I was piping the icing on, and I look over to find my husband scraping the remaining icing into his mouth. I let the kids split one cupcake and before I could turn around, they were gone. Huge success. I have to say this is one of the best desserts I have ever made. Well don't take my word for it, make them and see for yourself.

Caramel Apple Cupcakes w/ Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

1 package of duncan hines signature caramel apple cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup nestle caramel macchiato creamer
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup water

Frosting

3 cups powdered sugar
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk, room temperature
2/3 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4 tsp table salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine only the powder cake mix, eggs, creamer, butter, and water. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape the sides and then beat on high speed for 1 minute. Line the cupcake pans with cupcake liners. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake wells. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Cool completely.

For the frosting I used this recipe, but I incorporated the 2/3 caramel ice cream topping after adding the milk.