Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes w/ Apple Cider Filling and Fresh Whipped Topping

Cupcakes. I love them. What's better than your own individual cake? Not too much. I was in a pinch and wanted to make a quick dessert for our church event. This is what I came up with.

I found a recipe calling for just a typical cake mix, and a can of pumpkin puree. (I haven't started using my own because I had this can still). But really, all you use is pumpkin puree and cake mix. No eggs or oil. SO EASY

Mix together pumpkin and cake mix using a mixer. It will be a little more dense than your average cake batter. 

Yes, again I add the pumpkin pie spice. I'd say I added about a teaspoon? Not a ton. 

I also added chocolate chips! Between 1/2 cup and 1 cup, depending on your liking. Scoop batter into cupcake tin and bake on 350 degrees for 15-20 min.  

Now for the apple cider filling: You'll need 1cup of apple cider, half a stick of butter, 3 tbls of corn starch, about 1/2 cup of sugar, and about 1/2 teaspoon of pps. I also added about 1/2 tsp of nutmeg too, to add a little kick. 

Add cornstarch to cider. Add between 1-3 tbls depending on how thick you want it. 

Whisk until a lumps are dissolved. 

Over high heat, add cider mixture, butter, sugar, and spices. Stir CONTINUOUSLY. Once it starts to boil, turn it down to medium heat. 

To add some 'depth' or thickness to your filling, whisk mixture some. This will add air. 

See? Depth.  

Cupcakes are ready! Allow them and filling to cool....

Then using a pairing knife, cut plugs out of the cakes.

Fill with the apple cider filling

Now for the whipped cream! You'll need 1 cup of whipping cream, 1 tbls (or more for taste) confectionary sugar, and a tsp of vanilla.

Using beaters or a whisk attachment, start mixing on low and gradually go up. I was able to get some peaks this time by blasting the mixture on highest level for the last few seconds of mixing. 

Spoon whipped cream over cupcakes. I really don't think there are too many things in the world better than fresh whipped cream. 

Sprinkle some more pumpkin pie spice on top to add some decor and a little extra flavor.

EAT!

Here's my recipes:

Cupcakes:
*Cake mix (I used chocolate. The pumpkin flavor isn't as strong w/ chocolate, so I may recommend trying a vanilla, spice cake, or even gingerbread mix! I feel like those would be awesome.
*15oz Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
*1tsp of pumpkin pie spice
*1/2-1 cup of chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon mixture into cupcake pan, filling until about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-20 min. Yields approx 18.

Apple Cider filling:
*1 cup apple cider
*1-3 tbls of corn starch (depending on how thick you want it)
*1/2 stick of butter
*1/2 cup of sugar
*1/2 tsp of Pumpkin pie spice
*1/2 tsp of nutmeg (optional)

Directions:
Whisk apple cider and cornstarch together until completely dissolved. Over high heat, combine all other ingredients, storing continuously so it doesn't burn on the bottom. Once it begins to boil, reduce to medium. Using a whisk, whisk mixture to add some depth. Remove from heat and set aside.

Whipped Cream Topping:
*1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
*1 tbls of powdered sugar
*1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
In a chilled bowl (doesn't have to be, but it will help. Stick bowl in fridge 30 min prior) add all ingredients. Turn mixer on low, slowly getting higher until at full speed. Soft peaks should form. Watch carefully, making sure that the mixture doesn't get too stiff. If it doesn't thicken, place in fridge for 30 min.

Enjoy!! :)