Fall treat: pumpkin-roll cupcakes with an apple granola crunch topping

"There is nothing to eat in this house!" Do you constantly hear little voices running around the house saying this. When, clearly there are plenty of things to eat in the house, just nothing "ready-made" 

Or in this case, I was the one running around craving something sweet. No luck. 

 After a quick little pouting episode I decided to give in, go through the cabinets, and find something sweet! 

Cake mix...nah, don't really want cake. 

applesauce....not filling enough.

Pumpkin...hhmm...I have been craving a Fall treat!

After gathering some more Fall, warm, spice like flavors I got to work and came up with a recipe that hit the spot. This one will be going down in the family cookbook for sure!

I created the most super moist pumpkin-roll-like cupcake with a creamy creamcheese frosting and an apple granola crunch for the extra little perfected goodness.

This is a recipe you will want to whip up on those chilly Fall days or bake a loaf and give to a neighbor!

Pumpkin-roll cupcakes with apple granola crunch topping

Ingredients-

• 1 can pumpkin
• 1 box cake mix (I used white because it's what I had in the cabinet, however I added 2 whole eggs instead of 3 egg whites. This basically created a yellow cake mix...either is just fine.)
• 1/3 cup apple sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 TBSP cinnamon
• 1/8 TSP all spice
• 1/8 TSP ground cloves
• 1/4 TSP vanilla extract

Prepare cake mix as directed on the back of the box (In this case adding two whole eggs instead of 3 egg whites, like the white cake mix calls for.) adding in all remaining ingredients. Mix with an electric blender until well combined and no lumps remain. 

Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners then pour in prepared batter. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a toothpick is placed in the center and is clean when removed. 

( bread loaf: bake at 350 for 70 minutes or until a toothpick is placed in the center and is clean when removed.) 

Cream cheese frosting:

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 8 oz of Philly cream cheese (1 package), room temperature
• 2 - 3 cups of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

With an electric mixer, mix the butter and cream cheese together, about 3 minutes on medium speed until very smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing

Add the vanilla extract and mix. Slowly add the powdered sugar.

Apple granola crunch topping:

Ingredients-

• 4 TBSP butter
• 1 large granny smith apple
• 1TBSP brown sugar
• 1TBSP granulated sugar
• 2 TBSP honey
• 1 TBSP water
• 1 cup whole oats
•  

Brown butter in a large saucepan, add small apple cubes and remaining ingredients. Continue stirring until sugar has melted and has started to bubble. turn off heat and add oats. 

Pour mixture onto a baking sheet, spread out evenly then bake at 350 for 10 minutes.