CARROT RAISIN CUPCAKES

Purist bakers out there may not want to read any further. Because for these cupcakes I used *gasp* a boxed cake mix. I saw an ad in Better Homes & Gardens magazine for Duncan Hines new Decadent Carrot Cake and decided to give it a try. This new mix differs from other boxed mixes as it contains a package of raisins & shredded carrots that you soak in hot water for at least 5 minutes before adding to the cake batter. That must be where the decadence comes in because it really does give the cupcakes that homemade taste & texture. I picked up the mix when I did our weekly grocery shopping on Saturday & whipped up these cupcakes yesterday, using the recipe listed on the side of the box. Lightly frosted with a homemade cream cheese icing, they made a pretty tasty breakfast this morning. And even though I love my homemade carrot cake, this mix is definitely worth a try.

CARROT RAISIN CUPCAKES
recipe courtesy Duncan Hines

• 1 box Duncan Hines® Moist Deluxe® Decadent Carrot Cake
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup water (add carrot/raisin pouch and allow to stand 5 minutes)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup drained crushed pineapple (see below for other options)
• 1 16oz container Duncan Hines® Creamy Home-Style Cream Cheese Frosting

For Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare 12-cup* cupcake pans lined with paper baking cups. Add carrot/raisin pouch to the 1 cup of water and allow to stand for a minimum of 5 minutes. In a mixing bowl, add cake mix, flour, baking powder, eggs, oil, drained pineapple, and carrot/raisin/water mixture. Mix by hand until completely blended, approximately 50 strokes. Pour batter into paper-lined cupcake pans 2/3 full. Bake cupcakes for 20 - 22 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in pans for 15 minute on wire rack, then remove from pans and cool completely on rack before frosting.

Variations:
For a different flavor, replace pineapple with white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips.

*Note from Tonia - this recipe actually makes 18 cupcakes.