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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

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
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves).
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  • Bake: Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool: Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  • Make Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, followed by maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  • Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them using a piping bag or a spatula.
  • Optional Garnish: Drizzle extra maple syrup on top or sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or chopped pecans.