Page 111 - Cupcakes

PRUNE SPICE CUPCAKES

WITH BUTTERSCOTCH MAPLE FROSTING

• • • • •

These cupcakes remind me of a cake my grandmother used to bake. While it was
hot in the pan, and with the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg floating around the
kitchen, she would pour a hot buttermilk glaze over the top. That glaze was just
too messy for cupcakes, so I added this creamy frosting. The maple flavoring
marries beautifully with the prunes, the applesauce, and the spices, and I think
even my grandmother would approve.

MAKES 22 TO 24 CUPCAKES (2½ INCHES EACH)
PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES

BAKING TIME: 20 TO 23 MINUTES

ASSEMBLY TIME: 10 MINUTES

24 paper liners for cupcake pans (2½-inch size)
1 package (18.25 ounces) plain spice cake mix

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup chopped pitted prunes (about 10 prunes)

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup water

½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
Butterscotch Maple Frosting (page 339)