Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for fall. Their moist pumpkin base filled with rich salted caramel and topped with creamy frosting is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply enjoying a cozy day at home, these cupcakes provide a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and salted caramel creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up these tasty treats without hassle.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cupcakes are great for parties, holidays, or as a sweet surprise for family and friends.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain or topped with extra salted caramel for added indulgence.
- Impressive Presentation: The swirls of cream cheese frosting make these cupcakes visually stunning, perfect for showcasing on dessert tables.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking your Pumpkin Cupcakes, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Standard cupcake pan
- Paper cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack for cooling
- Piping bag with star tip (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Piping bag: Helps create beautiful frosting swirls that elevate the presentation of your cupcakes.
- Wire rack: Allows proper cooling to prevent soggy bottoms on your cupcakes.
Ingredients
These Pumpkin Cupcakes are made with a moist pumpkin cupcake filled with salted caramel sauce and topped with a delicious Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. A perfect and fun dessert for the fall season!
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups All purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 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
Toppings
- 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
Prepare one recipe of my Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce and allow it to cool completely or chill overnight.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C), and line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners. Line a second pan with 4-6 liners. This recipe makes about 16-18 cupcakes.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the following dry ingredients:
1. All purpose flour
2. Pumpkin spice
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Baking powder
5. Baking soda
6. Salt
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, add:
1. Canned pumpkin purée
2. Eggs
3. Pure vanilla extract
4. Vegetable oil
5. Light brown sugar
6. Granulated sugar
7. Buttermilk
Whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture gradually while whisking until fully combined and smooth. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow cupcakes to cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing them.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Step 8: Optional Filling
Use the bottom of a piping tip or an apple corer to cut a hole out of the top of each cupcake if desired. Fill this hole with Salted Caramel Sauce.
Step 9: Frost
Transfer your cream cheese frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (I used Wilton 1M) and pipe swirls onto each cooled cupcake. Drizzle with more salted caramel sauce if you wish! Enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
These delightful Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cupcakes can be served in various ways to enhance their appeal.
For a Festive Gathering
- Serve on a Decorative Platter: Arrange the cupcakes on a beautiful platter to showcase their charming appearance.
- Garnish with Fall Leaves: Add small artificial leaves around the cupcakes for a seasonal touch.
With a Cup of Coffee
- Pair with Espresso: The rich flavors of pumpkin and caramel complement the bold taste of espresso beautifully.
- Serve with Pumpkin Spice Latte: Create a cozy atmosphere by serving alongside this classic fall drink.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Include Other Fall Desserts: Combine with apple pies and pecan tarts to create a festive dessert spread.
- Offer Variety in Frosting: Provide options like vanilla buttercream for guests who may prefer something different.
For Afternoon Tea
- Serve with Herbal Teas: The sweetness of the cupcakes pairs well with calming herbal teas such as chamomile or mint.
- Include Fresh Fruit: Complement the cupcakes with slices of fresh apples or pears for added freshness.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfecting your Pumpkin Cupcakes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out wonderfully every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and buttermilk blend better when they’re at room temperature, resulting in smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes that lack fluffiness.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated, as an incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding crushed nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin cupcakes make an excellent dessert, but pairing them with delightful side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Apple Cider: A warm glass of spiced apple cider complements the flavors perfectly.
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda that contrast nicely with sweetness.
- Roasted Nuts: Serve seasoned almonds or walnuts for a crunchy accompaniment that balances the soft texture of the cupcakes.
- Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup provides a savory counterpoint that’s particularly fitting for fall menus.
- Salad with Maple Vinaigrette: A fresh salad drizzled with maple dressing adds brightness and refreshment between bites of sweet cupcakes.
- Chocolate Fondue: For those who love chocolate, provide strawberries and marshmallows for dipping alongside your cupcakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and making Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is no exception. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts. This ensures your cupcakes have the right texture and flavor.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and preserves its beautiful look.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can create a lumpy batter and affect baking.
- Neglecting oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cupcakes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Freeze cupcakes before adding frosting for best results.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they are well-sealed.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes on low power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin purée. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make my cupcakes more flavorful?
Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor of your pumpkin cupcakes.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
You can use regular milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice as an alternative to buttermilk.
What makes the frosting salty?
The salted caramel sauce used in the cream cheese frosting gives it a delightful salty contrast to the sweet flavors.
Are these cupcakes suitable for special diets?
These cupcakes can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend, but check other ingredients for dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even adjusting spices according to your taste. Perfect for fall gatherings or any celebration, they are sure to impress everyone!
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 cupcakes 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. Each cupcake features a moist pumpkin base that is expertly filled with rich salted caramel and crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect treat for any autumn gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these delightful cupcakes offer a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your family and friends. Easy to make and visually stunning, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- Salted caramel sauce (for filling and drizzling)
- Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line cupcake pans with paper liners.
- In one bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix wet ingredients: pumpkin purée, eggs, vanilla extract, oil, sugars, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
- Fill liners two-thirds full and bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, optionally fill cupcakes with salted caramel sauce and top with cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
