Apple-Peach Caramel Explosion Cupcakes

Apple-Peach Caramel Explosion Cupcakes!

Are you feeling daring?

Ever wanted to try something new and exciting?

Well, I sure did.

Since my American neighbors will be celebrating Thanksgiving next week and I’ve much to be thankful for–I thought it the perfect opportunity or should I say–shoppertunity to come up with a Thanksgiving-inspired cupcake recipe that will tantalize your taste buds!

I decided to make the recipe ALMOST organic and add in an explosive (not literally but, it’s delish) ingredient that you may not expect and replace the milk in my recipe. This lowers the calories, makes it light and moist and adds a punch of flavor that will send you over the edge.

If you haven’t guessed yet, it’s Clear American Water and in this case, it’s Golden Peach!

I headed over to Walmart in Michigan to do some shopping with my family, I was looking for some alternatives to make a cupcake recipe lighter and less calorie dense and I had the opportunity to scope out Clear American Water for #CBias. It was so easy to find too and stood out from the rest because of its size and vibrant colors.

Now, for 68 cents you can’t go wrong, especially since I was planning to substitute it for the milk in my recipe. The bottle is fairly large and you really do get bang for your buck.

For my frugal peeps, this is a great buy.

If you aren’t sure what Clear American Water is, it’s carbonated flavored water that has 0 calories, Caffeine Free and Sugar-Free. It’s also Kosher and Sodium free and “Naturally” flavored.

We don’t often buy flavored water in our household but, I rather buy it than give Gabs pop (or soda like my American friends say) on a regular basis. Milk and water are a staple in their diets so, in our house, Clear American is a nice, occasional and refreshing treat! Hubby bought a Black Cherry and my eldest bought an extra Golden Peach and my youngest, Mimi, skipped it!

My Apple Caramel-Peach Explosion Cupcakes!

Directions:

Wash and peel about 2 of your favorite type of apples. Once peeled, cut them into quarters and then cut those quarters in half. I chose organic Gala Apples because I love how crispy and juicy they are. Some prefer to use a more tart apple in their recipes but, I like naturally sweet so I opt for this variety.

Get a measuring cup and measure about 1/2 cup of Clear American Water in Golden Peach. Add it to a cooking pot and add 2 TBSP of organic butter or margarine. Add the 1 TBSP of cinnamon and stir until it is melted. Once it is simmering, add the apple slices and switch your oven to low heat, cover and let simmer until apples are soft.

Add a TSP of organic brown sugar and stir into the Clear American-Golden Peach infused apple mix, shut off heat and cover. Once cooled, drain apples and collect the Golden Peach-infused mix into a measuring cup. Do NOT throw it out. Set apples aside to cool.

Once you’ve collected the Clear American Golden-Peach infused mix from the pot, add more Clear American water to make about 1/2 cup of mix, if needed. This is replacing the milk in the recipe and cutting calories too!

If you haven’t already, mix the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. The flour, baking powder, cinnamon and brown sugar. This is where you add the 3 egg whites and the Clear American Peach-infused mix and vanilla extract, blend until creamy.

Go back to the cooked apples you have set aside and dice them to your preferred size. Pick out your most Thanksgiving inspired baking cups and get ready to POUR!

Once you’ve evenly poured the batter into the baking cups, go back to the caramel you have set aside and spoon the caramel on top of the cupcakes. Place the baking tray in the center of the middle tray in your oven for about 15 minutes. The time may vary depending on your oven, so until golden brown. Test if they are ready by poking them with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready!

Top with your cream cheese frosting and decorate them with your favorite treats. I chose fall colored sprinkles for a very simple decor. I also left some cupcakes without frosting for a less sweet option.

So, how’s that for daring?

Now, what’s Thanksgiving without a bit of sharing? My folks are having a small get together at their house tomorrow and they will be having these very cupcakes for their after dinner coffee and dessert. My kids loved the light flavor and my Hubby said that these are the best he’s tried so far. He much prefers the fruity cupcakes while I love my chocolate.

You can substitute your eggs and milk with Clear American water in almost ANY baking recipe and they have so many flavors to choose from. From Key Lime, Black Cherry, Raspberry, and even Pineapple Coconut. The possibilities are endless and if you are already having a treat, why not make it a bit lighter?

How do you make your recipes light?

Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!

Nancy Polanco

Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.