Gourmet Cupcakes

1 box cake mix (any flavor)

1 cup flour

1 cup granulated sugar

Generous dash of salt

1 cup sour cream

1 cup water

3 whole eggs

1 tablespoon flavoring (if needed)

Mix all dry ingredients by hand using a whisk in a large mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat on low speed for 2 minutes. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

Caramel Buttercream Frosting 

½ cup butter, softened

¼ cup caramel sauce

¼ tsp salt

2 cups powdered sugar

Place the butter, salt, and caramel sauce in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

6 oz. fresh raspberries, washed and patted dry
½ cup butter, softened
pinch of salt
1 tsp. raspberry extract
3½ cups powdered sugar

Puree the raspberries in a food processor. Strain the raspberries through a sieve (or cheesecloth) to remove seeds. Place the butter, salt, strained raspberries and raspberry extract in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until thoroughly combined and smooth.