Pumpkin Pecan Bites

Pumpkin Pecan Bites
From the Kitchen of Julie Palka

(Yield: about 6 dozen)

Ingredients:
1 Package (18- 1/4 ounces) Spice Cake mix
1 Can (15 ounces) Solid-pack pumpkin
3 Eggs
½ Cup canola oil
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
36 Pecans cut into halves (you can usually break them in your hands too!)

Cream cheese frosting:
½ cup butter, softened
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
*(I soften both by leaving them on the counter for a bit, it is a much better consistency than microwaving them!)*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3- ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
2 to 3 Tablespoons milk
(sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of frosted cupcakes!)

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, oil, cinnamon, baking soda and cloves; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. ( I just stir it by hand with a wooden spoon)

Step 2: Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups two-thirds full. Press a pecan piece into each one. Bake at 350 Degrees for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely (I just pull them out right away because I’m impatient!)

Step 3: In a small bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and mix well. Add enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

*Note- This recipe can be prepared in 2 dozen regular size muffin cups. Bake for 22-26 minutes. (I use a whole pecan for the big ones so they have more crunch!) ENJOY!!