Chocolate-Caramel Crumb Cupcakes

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups (2 3/4x1 1/4 inches). In small bowl, beat caramel topping and cream cheese with wire whisk until smooth; set aside.
• 2

  In large bowl, stir together brownie mix, cocoa and chocolate chips. Remove 2/3 cup brownie mixture to another small bowl; stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, butter and pecans until crumbly.
• 3

  To remaining brownie mixture, add 1/3 cup brown sugar, oil, sour cream and eggs; stir 50 strokes with spoon. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Spoon about 1 tablespoon caramel mixture onto center of batter in each cup. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over tops.
• 4

  Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted near edge comes out almost clean (center will be soft). Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve warm or cool. Store covered in refrigerator.