Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

• servings: 12 servings
• total time: 3 hours

Ingredients

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 and 1/2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice*

1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil*

2 large eggs

3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1 cup (225g) canned pumpkin puree*

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, plus an extra 1/4 cup if needed

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together in a large bowl. Set aside. Whisk the oil, eggs, brown sugar, pumpkin, and vanilla extract together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and use a mixer or whisk until completely combined. Batter will be thick.

Pour/spoon the batter into the liners—fill only 2/3 full to avoid spilling over the sides. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Make the frosting

In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add 3 confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. If you want the frosting a little thicker, add the extra 1/4 cup of confectioners sugar (I add it).

Frost cooled cupcakes however you’d like. I used an Ateco 808 large round piping tip for these pictured cupcakes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend a cupcake carrier for storing and transporting decorated cupcakes.