Turtle Cupcakes

Turtle Cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients
1 package (18.25 oz.) chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 eggs
1 1/3 cups water
1 cup mayonnaise

Directions
In large bowl, combine cake mix and cocoa.

Add eggs, water, and mayonnaise; beat with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl frequently.

Beat on medium speed 2 minutes.

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 10 minutes in pan on rack; remove and cool completely before decorating.

Praline Filling

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
8 egg yolks
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring
2 cups finely chopped pecans

Directions
In medium saucepan, combine butter, egg yolks, brown sugar and salt.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat; stir in maple flavoring and pecans.

Transfer to medium bowl; cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin from forming.

Refrigerate 2 hours or until chilled.

Stir before using; chill cupcakes.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Caramel Icing

20-25 caramels
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup chopped peanuts

Directions
In medium microwavable bowl, combine caramels and evaporated milk; heat on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted.

Stir in vanilla.

Dip cupcake tops into caramel mixture; sprinkle with peanuts.