Name: Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size); 24 caramels; 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts; Chocolate frosting and hot caramel ice cream topping; Additional walnuts, optional

You only need a few baking staples to throw together these gooey delights. Boxed cake mix and a can of frosting make them fast, but caramel, walnuts and chocolate chips tucked inside make them memorable. We like them with ice cream. —Bev Spain, Belleville, Ohio

Ingredients

1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)

24 caramels

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

Chocolate frosting and hot caramel ice cream topping

Additional walnuts, optional

Instructions

1 Prepare cake mix batter according to package directions for cupcakes. Fill 24 paper-lined muffin cups one-third full; set remaining batter aside. Bake at 350° for 7-8 minutes or until top of cupcake appears set.

2 Gently press a caramel into each cupcake; sprinkle with chocolate chips and walnuts. Top with remaining batter. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until a toothpick comes out clean.

3 Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost with chocolate frosting and drizzle with ice cream topping. Sprinkle with additional nuts if desired.