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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe


  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Description

Enjoy these moist Pumpkin Cupcakes, perfectly spiced and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for fall celebrations or whenever you need a sweet treat, they offer a delightful taste of autumn in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed until well combined and slightly fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter using an ice cream scoop.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
  11. Mix in the vanilla extract and taste the frosting, adjusting sweetness if necessary.
  12. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or a knife.
  13. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans for added flair.

Notes

  • Ensure the pumpkin puree is not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices.
  • For a lighter frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add more milk for a thinner consistency.
  • These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes