These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate autumn treat! They’re incredibly moist, packed with warm spices, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting that has just the right hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a holiday gathering or simply as a cozy fall dessert, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
- Increase Speed and Beat Until Fluffy: Increase to high speed and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
Step 3: Frost the Cupcakes
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each cupcake with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate (Optional): Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or top with a few festive sprinkles for a decorative touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these cupcakes as a dessert for any fall gathering, holiday party, or as a treat with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- Storage: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Helpful Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This will help the ingredients blend more smoothly and result in a better texture for both the cupcakes and frosting.
- Adjusting the Sweetness of the Frosting: Taste the frosting as you go, and adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preference. For a less sweet frosting, use slightly less powdered sugar.
- Piping Tips: If using a piping bag, a star tip or round tip works beautifully for these cupcakes. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply spread the frosting with a butter knife or spatula for a rustic look.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Mary Berry: To ensure even baking, rotate the cupcake pan halfway through the baking time. This helps prevent uneven baking and browning.
- Ina Garten: For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of orange zest to the cupcake batter. It pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin and spices.
- Paul Hollywood: Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour, as this can result in dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.
2. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced, which would alter the taste and texture of the cupcakes. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for this recipe.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter alternative and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Ensure that the substitutions are suitable for baking.
4. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Stir in up to ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
5. What if I don’t have all the spices?
If you’re missing one of the spices, you can substitute with pumpkin pie spice, which contains a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
6. Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the frosting a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.
7. Do I need to refrigerate these cupcakes?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store the cupcakes in the refrigerator. However, they can sit out at room temperature for a few hours when serving.
8. How can I make the frosting stiffer for piping?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency, or chill the frosting briefly before piping.
9. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
10. How do I prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners?
Use high-quality cupcake liners, and let the cupcakes cool completely before peeling away the liners to minimize sticking.
These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall dessert, capturing the warmth and spices of the season. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to delight! Enjoy baking and sharing these festive treats.
