A birthday experiment...

I know I'm crazy but I really have an infatuation with cupcakes. I've always been a fan of cake, so in my mind a cupcake is just a little baby cake...a "mini me" cake. And who doesn't love a "baby" anything?

So for my husbands birthday yesterday I wanted to surprise him and take treats into his work. I also wanted to create something new and yummy; something I knew he would love. His favorite candy bar is a SKOR, or anything toffee and chocolate-ish. So I experimented with an idea...and this is what became of it...

Chocolate Toffee Caramel Cupcakes!

They were a hit. The toffee in the cake batter just melts and makes the cake super moist with a hint of toffee flavor. The caramel frosting with toffee bits on top are quite literally the frosting on the cake with a perfect little crunch. These will surely be seen around here again soon.


CHOCOLATE TOFFEE CARAMEL CUPCAKES
(Mindi Original)

1 box chocolate cake mix (your favorite brand and variety, I use chocolate fudge)
1 pkg. toll house toffee chips
½ C. butter (1 stick); softened
8-10 oz. caramel topping
3-4 C. powdered sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare 24 muffin tins with paper liners.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
3. Add to the batter 1 package of toll house toffee chips (or favorite brand), reserving ¼ C. for garnish.
4. Divide the batter into the muffin tins and bake according to box instructions.
5. While baking mix the frosting by beating together the softened butter and the caramel topping until well combined.
6. Add the powdered sugar and whip to desired consistence. You may need to add a little more or less sugar according to your taste.
7. When the cupcakes are cool, frost and sprinkle with reserved toffee chips.