Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Soft, moist cupcakes filled with rich salted caramel and topped with creamy frosting make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or simply craving a sweet dessert, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Their unique flavor profile and beautiful presentation will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and salted caramel creates a deliciously sweet and savory experience.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cupcakes are great for parties, holidays, or as an everyday treat.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the frosting or add your favorite nuts for added texture.
- Impressive Presentation: The swirls of frosting and drizzles of caramel make these cupcakes look as good as they taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cupcake pan
- Paper liners
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Sifter
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag with star tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Cupcake pan: Essential for shaping your cupcakes perfectly.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls helps keep ingredients organized during preparation.
- Piping bag with star tip: Ideal for creating beautiful frosting swirls on your cupcakes.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed for making Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups All purpose flour
- 1 and ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 and ½ teaspoons Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 large Eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated Sugar
- ⅓ cup buttermilk, room temperature
Frosting & Sauce
- 1 recipe of my Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 recipe of my Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
How to Make Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce
First, prepare one recipe of my Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce. Allow it to cool completely or chill overnight.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners. Line a second pan with 4-6 liners since this recipe makes about 16-18 cupcakes.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the following:
All purpose flour
Pumpkin spice
Ground cinnamon
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Whisk all dry ingredients until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine:
Canned pumpkin purée
Room temperature eggs
Pure vanilla extract
Vegetable oil
Light brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Room temperature buttermilk
Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth. Fill each liner about two-thirds full.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake in preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
While cooling, prepare one recipe of my Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 8: Fill with Caramel (Optional)
If desired, use the bottom of a piping tip or an apple corer to cut out a hole at the top of each cupcake. Fill each hole with salted caramel sauce.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Transfer cream cheese frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (I used Wilton 1M) and pipe a swirl onto each cupcake. Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving these delicious Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any gathering. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy them.
For a Cozy Family Gathering
- Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or pumpkin spice latte for a delightful fall experience.
- Dessert Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a decorative platter, garnished with autumn leaves for a festive touch.
At Holiday Parties
- Mini Treats: Cut each cupcake into halves and serve as bite-sized treats. Perfect for mingling guests!
- Themed Decorations: Use themed cupcake toppers that match your party’s décor, enhancing the festive spirit.
For Special Occasions
- Gift Boxes: Package a few cupcakes in cute boxes as gifts for friends and family. A sweet surprise they’ll appreciate!
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side to complement the caramel flavor.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Measurement Accuracy: Always measure ingredients accurately using proper measuring tools to achieve the right texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and buttermilk at room temperature for better mixing and fluffier cupcakes.
- Sifting Flour: Sift your dry ingredients together to remove lumps and ensure even distribution of baking powder and spices.
- Cool Completely: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and maintains the frosting’s structure.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cupcakes can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink that complements the flavors of pumpkin and caramel beautifully.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Rich, nutty bars that provide a contrasting texture to the soft cupcakes.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruits can create a delightful balance between savory and sweet.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy soup that pairs well with fall flavors, making it an excellent starter.
- Maple Glazed Carrots: These tender carrots add sweetness and a pop of color to your dessert spread.
- Nutty Granola Parfaits: Layer granola with yogurt and fruit for a light yet satisfying side dish that complements the cupcakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, certain common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
-
Using cold ingredients – Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect the texture of your cupcakes.
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Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
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Not measuring flour correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour into your measuring cup. Accurate measurements are crucial for the right cupcake consistency.
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Skipping the cooling step – Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting on warm cupcakes can melt and ruin the presentation.
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Ignoring oven temperature – Always preheat your oven before baking. An improperly heated oven can lead to uneven baking or dry cupcakes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin purée, but ensure it’s well-cooked and blended smoothly before adding it to your batter.
How do I make my salted caramel sauce?
You can follow my Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce recipe, which is simple and requires just sugar, butter, cream, and salt.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance. Just store them properly until you’re ready to frost them.
What other frostings work well with pumpkin cupcakes?
Besides salted caramel cream cheese frosting, you could try maple buttercream or classic cream cheese frosting for different flavors.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are not only a delightful treat but also versatile enough for various occasions from fall gatherings to Thanksgiving desserts. You can customize them by adding nuts or using different flavored frostings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its amazing flavors!
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 cupcakes 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Cupcakes topped with luscious Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. Each bite reveals a soft, moist cupcake infused with pumpkin spice and rich salted caramel, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or simply as an everyday dessert, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their creamy swirls of frosting and delightful caramel drizzle. Impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting (homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fill each liner two-thirds full and bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
