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Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe

Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

These moist and spiced pumpkin cupcakes are the perfect fall treat, topped with a rich and creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting. With a blend of warm pumpkin spices and natural pumpkin purée, these cupcakes offer a comforting and indulgent flavor experience. Perfect for celebrating autumn or any special occasion, they combine a tender crumb with a luscious, smooth frosting that complements the spice beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Ingredients

  • 170 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice (see notes below to make your own)
  • 225 g dark brown sugar
  • 280 g pumpkin purée (room temperature)
  • 75 g vegetable oil (room temperature)
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 200 g butter
  • 15 g dark brown sugar
  • 100 g full-fat cream cheese
  • 345 g powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 160ºC (320ºF) conventional and line a 12-cup cupcake tray with cupcake liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt, stirring well to combine evenly.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently with a whisk or rubber spatula until just combined, ensuring no dry flour pockets remain.
  5. Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners. Bake for 23-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. After 5 minutes, gently remove the cupcakes from the tray and allow them to cool completely.
  7. Prepare Cream Cheese: If using European cream cheese, drain excess moisture by wrapping it in paper towels before use.
  8. Prepare Frosting Ingredients: Remove butter and cream cheese from the refrigerator 10 minutes before starting. Cut butter into cubes and sift the powdered sugar.
  9. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and dark brown sugar on high speed for 5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and mix for an additional 2 minutes to ensure a light, fluffy base.
  10. Add Cream Cheese and Vanilla: Add cream cheese and vanilla extract and beat together with the butter mixture for 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
  11. Add Powdered Sugar: On low speed, add the sifted powdered sugar in two parts, mixing each portion fully before adding the next. Scrape down the sides and beat for 2 more minutes to achieve a smooth consistency.
  12. Pipe Frosting: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round tip such as Wilton 1A. Pipe onto the cooled cupcakes and decorate optionally with fondant pumpkins or a dusting of pumpkin spice or cinnamon.

Notes

  • To make your own pumpkin spice, mix 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice.
  • For homemade pumpkin purée, roast a whole sugar pumpkin at 190ºC (375ºF) for about 45-60 minutes until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree in a blender or food processor.
  • If your cream cheese is very wet, draining it with paper towels helps create a thicker, better frosting texture.
  • Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and pumpkin purée, are at room temperature to achieve the best batter consistency.
  • Use a conventional oven setting for even baking; convection ovens may require temperature adjustment.
  • These cupcakes freeze well before frosting—wrap tightly and thaw before frosting and serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cupcakes, fall dessert, pumpkin spice, cream cheese frosting, autumn treats, baking cupcakes, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/pumpkin-cupcakes-recipe/