Toffee Topped Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NN5276tELSKLOYwjXpxdhJBqIMYlOUMmWR4P-KtRPxZ3qZGlvyNUmIJ1R-1w6ZB7Sx72ZO1rYG4X_R3Ev7KVOV7kzIbqECL0iITeIcqYd8M1Kc_ycHj4I6FJPN9EJGv_CWTYyRoc3OSX/s1600/IMG_4275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NN5276tELSKLOYwjXpxdhJBqIMYlOUMmWR4P-KtRPxZ3qZGlvyNUmIJ1R-1w6ZB7Sx72ZO1rYG4X_R3Ev7KVOV7kzIbqECL0iITeIcqYd8M1Kc_ycHj4I6FJPN9EJGv_CWTYyRoc3OSX/s1600/IMG_4275.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>In an effort to be 100% transparent, I used a cake mix to make these cupcakes.  I think it was a Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix, to be exact.  If you have read this blog for a while, you know that I'm not afraid of or embarrassed by a cake mix.  I use them all of the time for shortcuts - especially when I'm making cupcakes.  Maybe it is just me, but I think that homemade cupcake batter can be a little finicky... it can roll over the sides, it can deflate, etc., and I wanted these to look just perfect in my new Gold Striped Cupcake Papers.  And it was easy.  I was really in the mood for a Fall-ish spice cake topped with creamy, cream cheese frosting and these were everything (and more!) than I had hoped.<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Ftoffee-topped-spice-cupcakes-with-cream.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-M0J9W2xau5g%2FVCIq3EIE6uI%2FAAAAAAAAZoI%2F-huufrrNN-0%2Fs1600%2Ftoffee-spiced-cupcakes.jpg&description=Toffee%20Topped%20Spice%20Cupcake%20with%20Cream%20Cheese%20Frosting...%20From%20a%20box%20mix%20%3A%20)"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcMCELpyZau34RhsJ4OLCkLvGFhRHs1hD67ySzqrIP7MMuDNf6PPOdMVvibtYklBvdAZ5k3L7spY1FDMKkfPNvkNY1jhyphenhyphenvX_p4zst5cTs_ltA4topDEb3rCam7jeyKom-0dFiX51PlSsa/s1600/IMG_4287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcMCELpyZau34RhsJ4OLCkLvGFhRHs1hD67ySzqrIP7MMuDNf6PPOdMVvibtYklBvdAZ5k3L7spY1FDMKkfPNvkNY1jhyphenhyphenvX_p4zst5cTs_ltA4topDEb3rCam7jeyKom-0dFiX51PlSsa/s1600/IMG_4287.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />People tend to not think about texture as much as they should.  I had a gourmet ice cream sundae at a fancy restaurant this summer, and the combination of textures was unbelievable.  I can still taste (feel it?) right now.  This cupcake combination of creamy frosting, moist cake and crunchy toffee has the same effect - in a very fall way. <br /><br />Aren't these little <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap/products/acorn-tags-folded-cards">Acorn Folded Tags</a> so sweet?  I've been using them all month - attached to gifts as cards, as display signs (like this) and as place cards.<br /><br />Even though I used a mix, I thought I should provide you with some sort of recipe if you want to make some from scratch.  Here is my favorite, very dense and delicious spice cake recipe.  If you are making them from a box like me, just follow the baking directions and the frosting instructions.  Enjoy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhZXA2PyWxg2sTSoz26KnSTn6ahQXPA0AUdxWLI3K0ViN3Hi8xfu0W9lYIdu01mSzH-Q7IfMYM8toulTt_1WNslP1wCA-14xjhRXoW7NPpvHkifAKyRalsvRtP_2lz11z5uaHk_R3ezxw/s1600/spice-cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhZXA2PyWxg2sTSoz26KnSTn6ahQXPA0AUdxWLI3K0ViN3Hi8xfu0W9lYIdu01mSzH-Q7IfMYM8toulTt_1WNslP1wCA-14xjhRXoW7NPpvHkifAKyRalsvRtP_2lz11z5uaHk_R3ezxw/s1600/spice-cupcakes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Toffee</span></i></span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">makes about 12 cupcakes</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Ftoffee-topped-spice-cupcakes-with-cream.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-M0J9W2xau5g%2FVCIq3EIE6uI%2FAAAAAAAAZoI%2F-huufrrNN-0%2Fs1600%2Ftoffee-spiced-cupcakes.jpg&description=Toffee%20Topped%20Spice%20Cupcake%20with%20Cream%20Cheese%20Frosting...%20From%20a%20box%20mix%20%3A%20)"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1 cup sugar</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">2 cups flour</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1 tsp baking powder</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1 tsp baking soda</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">pinch of ground cloves</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">2 eggs</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1 cup milk</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">6 tablespoons of melted butter</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1 tsp vanilla</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">....</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">4 ounces of cream cheese (1/2 block), room temperature</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">1 stick of butter</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">2 cups of powdered sugar (or more)</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">toffee candies (I used Werther's Original, which are caramel candies), chopped</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">In a mixer, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices.  Stir to combine.  Add egg, milk, melted butter and vanilla.  Mix on low until combined.  Beat for 1 minute on medium high. </span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfFlG4dZHooU4wioWWZiUzUKmAn_pCp5c33yn7r_C3QD5ZsikNb3O3A1fPWZQYBkeTke6JAHcy6GEZER-mgSqbWpdrzNFbOGv4to1JDE47GWkyuX9HRoi9hriE6m6DZXtM6Q9WCj8L7x8/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfFlG4dZHooU4wioWWZiUzUKmAn_pCp5c33yn7r_C3QD5ZsikNb3O3A1fPWZQYBkeTke6JAHcy6GEZER-mgSqbWpdrzNFbOGv4to1JDE47GWkyuX9HRoi9hriE6m6DZXtM6Q9WCj8L7x8/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">Scoop into cupcake papers, I used <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/new-for-fall/products/gold-striped-cupcake-papers">Gold Striped Papers ($6.50)</a> for a little festive touch.  </span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyCDpjEWy4FfyKLDwDYLNy1G1ZlXBFPF1EdY4m-rWRZ5ALOL3MmEX_A62f5yTVnus_nO56jGW0rwObX63gqfTaj92Kx3qwsoV44wGskQYlPoy-cRSNZuSkEYAdCawueQxrFz75qFqzgpW/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyCDpjEWy4FfyKLDwDYLNy1G1ZlXBFPF1EdY4m-rWRZ5ALOL3MmEX_A62f5yTVnus_nO56jGW0rwObX63gqfTaj92Kx3qwsoV44wGskQYlPoy-cRSNZuSkEYAdCawueQxrFz75qFqzgpW/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes, until tester comes out clean, or cupcakes spring back to touch.  </span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOABg1pvqFH2-o7wXi2a7-UVqW-F9OzDUoyluaEoH3p-ISWXfGzt22eYX24iuNhcN_lvZxiVDbBrP41u0jboep4aphut9rVznwPmxHYJoJE9eKu068eNY37CzuoV3QZSy3o1HOW-0lj1Gv/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOABg1pvqFH2-o7wXi2a7-UVqW-F9OzDUoyluaEoH3p-ISWXfGzt22eYX24iuNhcN_lvZxiVDbBrP41u0jboep4aphut9rVznwPmxHYJoJE9eKu068eNY37CzuoV3QZSy3o1HOW-0lj1Gv/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">Because I used a box mix, I had enough to make 12 cupcakes and some loaf-style cakes, too, in my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/bread-baking-baskets-2-sizes">Kraft Loaf Pans</a> for gifts.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkTaFqZ6DAn3b_SIgOUR4E79aR5kIWaRIaqgUk5y-p-tGGiPwmyo1tXTyzTk2FLk3ZkzqaGqOb5AQ28edrKVj6F_kGEjdVZagn_OITARbtBDqmT24Dq6OyV8TPeEkW3IxWOTaCuMwylmE/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkTaFqZ6DAn3b_SIgOUR4E79aR5kIWaRIaqgUk5y-p-tGGiPwmyo1tXTyzTk2FLk3ZkzqaGqOb5AQ28edrKVj6F_kGEjdVZagn_OITARbtBDqmT24Dq6OyV8TPeEkW3IxWOTaCuMwylmE/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">For cream cheese frosting, combine cream cheese and butter in a mixer until blended together.  Add powdered sugar and mix for 3 minutes on low.  Frost using an <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/disposable-pastry-bag-20-bags">18" Piping Bag</a> with the tip cut off.   I did a basic, easy swirl - you can just scrape it off and start over if you need some practice.  I try not to do toooo much frosting, just a good ratio.  </span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUMMs0n1x_082F9CitxN0jOvLtqDogywUQOXyG-FRViRME-jsRwt-AmllyjVjXzPxHILwuPGDOo3NpYEVdHVgnBh-TR4_kirF-4mY31HJbABJA1lSmkqZf3IGmFV8bF6L4OzG1TwvMSvU/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUMMs0n1x_082F9CitxN0jOvLtqDogywUQOXyG-FRViRME-jsRwt-AmllyjVjXzPxHILwuPGDOo3NpYEVdHVgnBh-TR4_kirF-4mY31HJbABJA1lSmkqZf3IGmFV8bF6L4OzG1TwvMSvU/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">I used Werther's Original caramel candies, because my grocery store didn't have toffee, except with milk chocolate.  So, I just chopped up the candies with my knife - it worked great.  </span><br /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT-mhk9V_WRKc5-sISJ3cXOU74bkriIWkJlljHoebvShyphenhyphenGd-o_0Vgxj31a0hQUmOasdKLKGxb0MFO5YLcZfb6KXtWuvJqieVcPCWNubUcXQ3i0h8WYOMBqR6tFmAWfw-wSsVsj1X9Lovx/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT-mhk9V_WRKc5-sISJ3cXOU74bkriIWkJlljHoebvShyphenhyphenGd-o_0Vgxj31a0hQUmOasdKLKGxb0MFO5YLcZfb6KXtWuvJqieVcPCWNubUcXQ3i0h8WYOMBqR6tFmAWfw-wSsVsj1X9Lovx/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />These were so tasty and perfect for <strike>breakfast</strike>, I mean an afternoon snack with coffee.  What are your favorite Fall desserts?  The next on my list is soft pumpkin spice pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies with a cream cheese butter icing.  That will have to wait until next week... when I can find my rolling pin!<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Ftoffee-topped-spice-cupcakes-with-cream.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-M0J9W2xau5g%2FVCIq3EIE6uI%2FAAAAAAAAZoI%2F-huufrrNN-0%2Fs1600%2Ftoffee-spiced-cupcakes.jpg&description=Toffee%20Topped%20Spice%20Cupcake%20with%20Cream%20Cheese%20Frosting...%20From%20a%20box%20mix%20%3A%20)"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />Products Used :<br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/linens/products/linen-tea-towels-napkins-orange">Orange Linen Tea Towel, 2 for $24</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/gold-striped-cupcake-papers">Gold Striped Cupcake Papers, 100 for $6.50</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/bread-baking-baskets-2-sizes">Kraft Loaf Pan, 10 for $12.50</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/disposable-pastry-bag-20-bags">Disposable Pastry Bags, 20 for $14.50</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap/products/acorn-tags-folded-cards">Acorn Folded Card, 10 for $6</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Toffee Topped Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

In an effort to be 100% transparent, I used a cake mix to make these cupcakes.  I think it was a Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix, to be exact.  ...

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