Country Fair Caramel Apple Cakes

{i had these at my first meeting at this job last year. they are fabulous! i haven't actuall made them yet... but they are basically caramel apple - cupcakes version! super festive!}

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup applesauce
¼ cup sour cream
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Caramel glaze (recipe follows)
½ cup chopped toasted walnuts (I used peanuts)
12 popsicle sticks

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degree F
Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl
Stir in applesauce, sour cream, oil and lemon juice
Our into muffin tins fitted with paper liners
Bake 20 minutes
Let cool completely on wire rack

Spread Caramel Glaze over top of cupcakes and insert stick upright in center of each
Garnish rim of each cake with chopped nuts to resemble caramel apples dipped in nuts

Caramel Glaze
20 caramels
3 tablespoons milk
Melt caramels with milk in small saucepan over low heat; stirring until smooth.

The recipe suggests tying lengths of ribbon in each stick for a festive touch!