Apple Spice Cupcakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix the spice cake mix following the instructions on the box when adding eggs and vegetable oil. However, in place of water add apple cider. (Use the same measurement requested for water.) Scoop into cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for 14-16 minutes until toothpick comes up clean from the center.
3. While the cupcakes are baking prepare the apple pie filling. Empty the contents of the can of apple pie filling onto a plate and chop them into the desired size for filling into the center of your cupcakes. Once they are chopped place them in a small bowl and mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar filling. You may choose to use more or less cinnamon mixture filling depending on how well seasoned your canned filling is. Just do it to taste. Then mix it all until combined and set aside for later use.
4. After the cupcakes have baked increase your oven temperature to 425 degrees fahrenheit to pre-heat for baking the oatmeal crisp topping later.
5. Once the cupcakes have cooled a bit, remove the core in the middle of the cupcake almost all the way down to the bottom. I use a cupcake corer, but you can just cut them out as well.
6. Using a small spoon, scoop the filling into the center of the cored cupcakes until full. Smooth over the top with the back of the spoon.
7. Next, prepare the frosting. Cream the butter, cream cheese and vanilla until light and fluffy. (Take your time beating.) Then slowly add the powdered sugar and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Lastly add the pinch of salt and cinnamon sugar mixture and mix until combined.
8. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cupcakes.
9. Now you can prepare the oatmeal crisp topping. First melt the butter then pour it over the traditional oatmeal in a bowl. Add the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss until evenly coated.
10. Spread the oatmeal mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in place in your preheated oven at 425 degrees fahrenheit. Bake for 5 minutes then flip the oatmeal with a spatula and bake for another 3 minutes. It should be crisp and slightly browned when finished.
11. After the oatmeal topping has cooled sprinkle it over the top of your cupcakes and then drizzle a salted caramel sauce over the top. Enjoy!