Description
These Pumpkin Cupcakes are a perfect fall treat, combining warm spices with moist pumpkin cake and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and ideal for gatherings or cozy afternoons, these cupcakes bring the comforting flavors of autumn into every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup pumpkin puree for a pumpkin-flavored frosting
Toppings (Optional)
- Candied pecans
- Gingersnap crumbs
- Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Cream Sugar and Oil: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, combining well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to add aroma and depth to the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure fluffy cupcakes.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree until the batter is smooth and homogenous, incorporating the moist pumpkin flavor throughout.
- Fill Muffin Liners: Fill each prepared muffin liner about two-thirds full with the batter to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes for easier handling, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined well; add the optional pumpkin puree now if desired for pumpkin-flavored frosting.
- Flavor Frosting: Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
- Beat Frosting: Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for a few minutes until it becomes light and fluffy; adjust the consistency with milk or more powdered sugar as needed.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or a knife for an even layer of creamy frosting.
- Garnish: Decorate the frosted cupcakes with optional toppings such as candied pecans, gingersnap crumbs, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra texture and flavor.
- Chill: Chill the frosted cupcakes for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set properly.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delightful pumpkin cupcakes to friends and family as the perfect fall dessert or treat.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust frosting consistency by adding a little milk if too thick or powdered sugar if too thin.
- Optional pumpkin puree in frosting adds more pumpkin flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Customize toppings to suit your taste or leave them off for a classic cupcake.
- Store cupcakes properly to keep them moist and fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
