Craving a taste of fall in every bite? Dive into the world of moist and fluffy pumpkin spice cupcakes topped with a heavenly cinnamon cream cheese buttercream frosting. These made-from-scratch delights are a perfect blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
With just two bowls and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these decadent treats in no time. The secret to their incredible moistness lies in the combination of brown sugar, Instant Clear jel, buttermilk, and vegetable oil, ensuring a delightful texture that lasts for days.
Ingredients List
Creating delicious buttercream pumpkin cupcakes requires simple pantry staples. Let’s start by gathering the essential ingredients for both the pumpkin cupcakes and the flavorful buttercream.
Pumpkin Cupcake Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 package (8 ounces) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Required Tools and Equipment
For making these delightful Buttercream Pumpkin Cupcakes, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools:
- Muffin pans
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Piping bag and decorating tip (for frosting)
- Toothpick (to check for doneness)
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: Cream softened butter with white and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the pumpkin, buttermilk or milk, and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
Baking the Cupcakes
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into liners, filling them about 3/4 full, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with few crumbs.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan briefly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, and nutmeg powder. Adjust the icing texture with milk until desired consistency.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.
Assembly and Decoration
After creating these delicious pumpkin spice cupcakes, it’s time to move on to the fun part – frosting and decorating!
Frosting the Cupcakes
Now that the cupcakes have cooled down, it’s time to frost them. Using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip – like the Wilton 1M tip for that classic look, or an offset spatula for a more rustic feel – generously frost the cupcakes with the cinnamon cream cheese buttercream frosting. If you prefer less frosting, feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
Storage and Serving Tips
When it comes to storing your delicious buttercream pumpkin cupcakes, it’s essential to ensure they stay fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you preserve and serve your cupcakes effectively:
- Storage:
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before storing them.
- Place the cupcakes in an airtight container or a cupcake carrier to prevent them from drying out.
- Store the cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:
- If you want to enjoy your cupcakes at a later time, you can freeze them.
- Wrap the cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag.
- When ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Serving:
- For serving, bring the cupcakes to room temperature if refrigerated.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra touch.
- Pair these delightful treats with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a perfect snack or dessert.
By following these storage and serving tips, you can ensure that your buttercream pumpkin cupcakes remain fresh and delightful, ready to be enjoyed at any time.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a delectable recipe for buttercream pumpkin cupcakes that are sure to impress your taste buds. From the rich pumpkin spice cupcake batter to the luscious cinnamon cream cheese buttercream frosting, every bite is a burst of fall flavors. Don’t forget the handy tips on assembly, decoration, storage, and serving – they’ll make your cupcake experience even more delightful. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or tea or adding a dollop of whipped cream on top, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and treat yourself to these irresistible pumpkin delights!