Chocolate Cupcakes with Penuche Frosting

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 egg large
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 6 Tbsp applesauce
• 1/4 cup butter , melted
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 Tbsp unsulphured molasses
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup water hot

Penuche Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar packed, dark
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• 1 salt pinch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 Tbsp water hot