Go Back
- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg - 1/4 tsp ground ginger - 1/4 tsp salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus additional for drizzling) - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract When baking pumpkin cupcakes, the right ingredients make all the difference. I love using fresh pumpkin puree for its rich flavor, but canned works well too. The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, and spices. These spices add warmth and depth, making each bite delightful. For the wet ingredients, I mix sugars and oil first. The mix of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. The eggs and pumpkin puree create a smooth batter that rises perfectly. Now, let’s talk about frosting. Cream cheese and butter blend for a creamy base. Adding powdered sugar sweetens the mix, while caramel sauce gives it a rich twist. This frosting is not just for taste; it adds a beautiful shine to the cupcakes. You can find the full recipe in the section above to guide you through each step. Remember, quality ingredients lead to tasty results! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside. - In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. - Add the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth. - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix. - Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full. - Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. - Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. - Gradually add the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract to the frosting mix. - Frost cooled cupcakes and drizzle with extra caramel sauce. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Ensure your pumpkin puree is well-drained if using fresh. - Avoid overmixing the batter to keep cupcakes fluffy. To make pumpkin cupcakes that melt in your mouth, focus on moisture. Fresh pumpkin puree can hold a lot of water. If it’s too wet, your cupcakes may turn soggy. Drain the puree in a fine mesh strainer for a few minutes. This removes excess liquid and helps keep your cupcakes light. Mixing is another key step. After you combine wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can cause your cupcakes to become dense and tough. Aim for just combined; a few lumps are okay! - Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother frosting texture. - For a decorative touch, use a piping bag for frosting application. Frosting can make or break your cupcakes. Start with room temperature cream cheese and butter. This helps create a smooth and creamy frosting. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps. Using a piping bag for frosting gives a pretty finish. It also lets you control the amount on each cupcake. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a corner cut off works too. - Arrange on a decorative platter and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Presentation adds to the fun! Once frosted, place your cupcakes on a nice platter. A simple sprinkle of chopped pecans adds texture and a pop of color. It makes your dessert look fancy without much effort. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. This not only looks good but also enhances the flavor! For the full recipe, check out Pumpkin Spice Wonders! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of these cupcakes in fun ways. - Add chocolate chips for a rich taste. They will melt and create pockets of sweetness. - Incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruits for texture. Pecans or cranberries work great here. Try different frostings for a new twist. - Use whipped cream instead of cream cheese for a lighter option. It adds airiness and freshness. - Experiment with flavored frostings like maple or vanilla. Each one gives a unique taste. Want a gluten-free version? It’s simple. - Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This swap keeps the cupcakes moist and delicious. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy baking! Store your frosted cupcakes in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. For unfrosted cupcakes, use an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw them before frosting. When layering cupcakes, place parchment paper between each layer. This protects the frosting from sticking and keeps them looking great. Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. It saves time and effort. Canned pumpkin has a smooth texture that blends well into the batter. I often use it when I’m short on time. Ensure you use quality liners and grease them lightly if needed. A light spray of cooking oil can help. This small step makes a big difference. It helps the cupcakes slide out easily without tearing. Substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based cream cheese. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This simple swap keeps the cupcakes moist and tasty. You can use chocolate ganache or a simple sugar glaze as an alternative. Both options add a different flavor twist. Chocolate ganache gives a rich taste, while sugar glaze offers a sweet touch. Yes, you can bake and freeze the cupcakes, frosting them just before serving. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before freezing. This way, they stay fresh and tasty when you need them. These pumpkin cupcakes are fun to make and delicious to eat. You learned about the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. Remember to check your pumpkin puree and avoid overmixing to keep them fluffy. Try fun variations and store them right for later enjoyment. With these simple guidelines, you can whip up tasty treats for any occasion. Enjoy the baking, the sharing, and the smiles these cupcakes bring!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the delightful world of pumpkin spice wonders with this easy cupcake recipe! Perfectly spiced and topped with creamy caramel frosting, these cupcakes are the ultimate fall treat. Discover how to create moist, flavorful cupcakes that will impress your family and friends. Ready to bring the taste of autumn into your kitchen? Click through for the full recipe and make your pumpkin spice dreams come true!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus additional for drizzling)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

      In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.

        Add the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.

          Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.

            Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full.

              Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.

                  Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and fluffy.

                    Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the caramel cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag.

                      Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes for an extra touch of sweetness.

                        - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 cupcakes

                          - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cupcakes on a decorative platter and sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.