Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the essence of autumn with these cinnamon-spiced pumpkin cupcakes. Their moist interior pairs beautifully with a rich and creamy cinnamon cream cheese topping, offering a tantalizing treat perfect for any fall gathering.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (recommended brand: Libby’s)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (cooled slightly)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 room temperature large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup cream cheese (block-style, cool but softened)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preparing the Cupcakes:
   1. Heat the oven to 350° F and set up a muffin tin with paper liners.
   2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a spacious bowl.
   3. In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   4. Gradually mix the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture until just blended.
   5. Evenly distribute the batter among the 12 muffin cups using an ice cream scoop, filling each about ⅔ full.
   6. Bake for roughly 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick emerges mostly clean.
   7. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
2. Creating the Topping:
   1. Using a stand or hand mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
   2. Gently mix in the confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon.
   3. Blend in the vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture stays creamy.
3. Finishing Touches:
   1. Fill a piping bag, fitted with a chosen tip, with the cinnamon cream cheese topping.
   2. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, elegantly frost each one.
   3. Dust a bit of ground cinnamon over the frosted cupcakes for added flair.

Serve these delightful cupcakes alongside a warm beverage and enjoy the symphony of fall flavors. Perfect for festive events or just a simple afternoon treat.