How To Bake Creme Brûlée Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 box vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding
• 2 c. cold milk
• 1 c. butter, softened
• 4 c. powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 2-3 tbsp. heavy cream
• 1/2 c. sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° and line two cupcake pans with liners.
2. Prepare vanilla cake batter according to package instructions and divide between cupcake liners. Bake according to package instructions. Let cool completely.
3. Make filling: In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 3 minutes.
4. Make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add half of the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar, vanilla and salt, and beat until fluffy. Add heavy cream if the frosting is too thick.
5. Using a paring knife, cut out a small well out of each cupcake and fill it with vanilla pudding. Then using a small offset spatula, spread frosting on top. Sprinkle each cupcake immediately with sugar.
6. Transfer filled and frosted cupcakes to a large runner baking sheet and broil until the sugar at the tip of the frosting caramelizes, about 2 minutes. Let cool completely, then serve.