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The Best Pumpkin Cupcakes

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These moist and tender Pumpkin Cupcakes are infused with warm fall spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any autumn occasion, they’re quick to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling)
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • For the pumpkin cupcakes:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In a large bowl, mix oil, pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cupcakes in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While cupcakes cool, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, and mix until fluffy.
  9. Frost cooled cupcakes with cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or spatula.

Notes

  • Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
  • Spice up the frosting with cinnamon or maple syrup for seasonal flavor.
  • Use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
  • Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to a month.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/best-pumpkin-cupcakes/