Chocolate-Candy Cane Cupcakes

Yes, I think I am on a cupcake streak (sp?)!!! So, SO Y.U.M.M.Y.!!!!!! Really, these were oh so very good!!! It called for cool whip for the icing, but, as I am not a big cool whip fan, yet I AM a big cream cheese frosting fan, I made up my own frosting to go with these! Turned out perfectly if I do say so myself : )



Chocolate-Candy Cane Cupcakes
submitted by Camille
(adapted from kraftfoods.com)

4 squares Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided
1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix
1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) Chocolate Instant Pudding
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
6 small (or 3 large) candy canes, crushed, divided

HEAT oven to 350°F. Chop chocolate squares; set aside. Beat cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water with mixer on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 min. Stir in chopped chocolate and 2 Tbsp. candy. Spoon into 30 paper-lined 2-1/2-inch muffin cups.

BAKE 20 to 23 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool completely.

Frost with Peppermint-Cream Cheese frosting, and the sprinkle each cupcake with a little bit of the leftover crushed candy-cane. ENJOY!!!!!

Peppermint-Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
8oz cream cheese, softened
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1-2 tsp peppermint extract (depending on how much of a minty flavor you want)

Cream butter and cream cheese. Add sugar, vanilla and peppermint extract. Beat until smooth.