Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Fluffy Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting! 🎃🧁✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite fall treat—the Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe that combines the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin spice with irresistibly fluffy cupcakes and smooth cream cheese frosting. These fluffy pumpkin cupcakes are perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or any cozy autumn gathering. With their moist texture and delightful topping, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!
2. Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Fluffy Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fluffy Pumpkin Cupcakes
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy cleanup and presentation.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavens for perfectly fluffy cupcakes.
Cream Sugar and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
Frost and Decorate
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. Decorate with sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, or edible autumn-themed decorations for a festive touch.
4. Storage Tips for Your Fluffy Pumpkin Cupcakes
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes for up to 1 month, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Cupcakes
Pair these fluffy Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Fluffy Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting! with hot apple cider or a festive pumpkin spice latte. They make a perfect snack or dessert for fall gatherings. For a complementary treat, try these delicious applesauce muffins or fluffy mashed potato muffins.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose one that is suitable for baking to maintain the fluffiness.
How long does it take to prepare and bake?
The entire process, from preparing the batter to baking, takes approximately 40-45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dessert.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use 1 cup of cooked, pureed fresh pumpkin for the same flavorful results.
What variations can I try?
Consider adding chocolate chips, pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor. You can also swap out the cream cheese frosting for caramel or vanilla frosting for a different twist.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer — Make mixing your batter smooth and effortless with this reliable mixer, ensuring your cupcakes are perfectly fluffy.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Chop your pumpkin and other ingredients quickly and safely with this versatile prep tool.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Chill your beverages or even frosting quickly for your party needs, making decorating faster and easier.
8. Final thoughts: Celebrate fall with these irresistible pumpkin cupcakes
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a batch of fluffy pumpkin cupcakes topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. These treats make every occasion special and bring a touch of autumn magic to your table. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, this Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the delicious taste of fall!
9. Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, you learned how to make Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe that combines soft, fluffy cupcakes with rich cream cheese frosting. The recipe is easy to follow, adaptable, and perfect for seasonal celebrations. Remember to explore different variations and enjoy baking these delightful treats. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and keep experimenting with new flavors!
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Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Fluffy Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Enjoy the perfect fall treat with these fluffy pumpkin cupcakes topped with rich cream cheese frosting! Made with warm spices and moist pumpkin puree, these cupcakes are ideal for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any cozy autumn gathering. Their irresistible texture and delicious flavor make them a must-bake seasonal favorite.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream sugars and wet ingredients: Beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Bake the cupcakes: Divide batter evenly into liners—about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
- Frost cupcakes: Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on cooled cupcakes. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour to make gluten-free pumpkin cupcakes.
- For added flavor, fold in chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 290 Kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg