It’s officially fall, which means it’s time to break out the cozy sweaters, sip on warm drinks, and indulge in all things pumpkin spice. And what better way to celebrate the season than with these delicious pumpkin spice cupcakes with cream cheese icing? This recipe is the perfect combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and tangy cream cheese frosting, making it the ultimate fall treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before icing.
- To make the cream cheese icing, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the icing onto the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 210mg
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 33g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Mixer
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin spice cupcakes with cream cheese icing are the perfect dessert for any fall occasion. Serve them with a cup of hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate cozy treat.
Variations
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. You could also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the cream cheese icing for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you could substitute it with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree. You could also use coconut oil or melted butter instead of vegetable oil.
Storage
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the icing.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
- Use a cookie scoop to fill the cupcake liners for evenly sized cupcakes.
- If you want to make mini cupcakes, adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes.
Notes
These cupcakes are best served at room temperature, so take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze these cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! These cupcakes would also be delicious with a vanilla buttercream or caramel frosting.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices?
Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin spice cupcakes with cream cheese icing are the epitome of fall flavors. The warm spices and pumpkin puree create a cozy and comforting taste, while the tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just looking for a delicious treat to enjoy at home, these cupcakes are sure to impress. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate fall treat!