Applesauce Spice Cupcakes With Caramel Frosting

Oh my goodness are these yummy! Perfect for fall bake sales or potlucks. Don't be intimidated by the frosting. It's really very easy to make. The pecans on top are optional, but sure look pretty. My cupcakes were done right at 22 minutes, so keep an eye on yours so they don't overbake.

APPLESAUCE SPICE CUPCAKES (OR CAKE)
from Never Fail Applesauce Spice Cake on Allrecipes.com

2 1/2 cups flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice)
1 1/2 cups applesauce
2 eggs
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 muffin cups or grease and flour a 9x13 baking pan.

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and spices in a large mixing bowl. Mix in butter, buttermilk, and applesauce. Beat with an electric mixer for two minutes. Beat in eggs. Fold in nuts, if using. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full or pour into 9x13.

Cupcakes bake for 20-25 minutes. 9x13 bake for 50 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Meanwhile, make frosting:

CARAMEL FROSTING
from Caramel Frosting IV on Allrecipes.com

1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. milk
3 cups powdered sugar
chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and salt. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in milk. Return to heat and bring to a boil once more. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm (about 20-25 minutes). Beat in powdered sugar until smooth.

(For thinner frosting add more milk. For stiffer frosting add more powdered sugar.)

Frost cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with pecans if desired.