Ingredients:
 

1 package spice cake mix (18.25 ounce)
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large apple)


35 caramels (the solid ones, not the ones with the white sugar centers)
1/4 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream (or regular milk)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
24 wooden craft sticks
 
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl until all the ingredients are completely incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl and then beat the batter on med-high speed for 3 minutes. Once the batter is finished mixing, stir in the chopped apple with a spoon or spatula.

Spoon the batter into paper lined muffin pans, filling the liners until they are two thirds full.
 
Bake 18-20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not over bake.
 
Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the muffins cool slightly to keep from burning yourself. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to finish cooling to room temperature once you are safe to handle them.

While the cupcakes are cooling, combine the caramels and 1/4 cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream) in a medium saucepan over very low heat and stir 4 minutes or until smooth. It's very important to keep the heat very low because if the caramel gets too hot, it will become extremely hard when cooled.

Spread the caramel mixture over the top of the cupcakes, being careful to not let the caramel touch the paper liners or it will stick to the liners. Immediately sprinkle with pecans, pressing in slightly.
 
Insert a wooden stick into center of each cupcake to finish decorating them.
 
Store covered in an airtight container.
 
NOTE:
 
These cupcakes are best if they are served the same day that you add the caramel topping. Caramel will soften if kept at room temperature for too long so store in the refrigerator until ready to serve and let the cupcakes warm to room temperature so the caramel will soften to a more enjoyable consistency once again.

Makes 20-24 cupcakes.