Pumpkin and maple are two of the delicious and distinct flavors of fall. They work together beautifully in these moist and flavorful cupcakes.
Top the cupcakes with mini cookies (as shown), or save time by simply topping the cupcakes with a dash of cinnamon or a candied nut.
Start with a delicious batch of my favorite Pumpkin Cupcakes. The recipe (as listed HERE) can be made with, or without nuts.
Finish the cakes with this creamy, delicious and subtle maple frosting (below).
Prop note- Wooden cake and cupcake stands handmade in South Carolina, by Wood Expressions.
How to Make Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cupcakes
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated if possible
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional, but really add a nice flavor and texture
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, cold
- 8 oz cream cheese 1 package, cold
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup grade B preferred
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream cold, if desired
Instructions
Pumpkin Cupcakes
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.
- In another large bowl whisk pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla.
- Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until completely combined.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Scoop batter into cupcake pan, lined with paper liners. Fill cups about 3/4 full. This batter perfectly makes 12 standard sized cupcakes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 (F) degrees for 22-24 minutes.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then transfer cupcakes to the wire rack and let cool completely.
- Frost with maple cream cheese frosting.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- In the bowl of an electic mixer, add butter and beat until smooth.
- Add cream cheese, and beat until fully incorporated, and smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
- Add maple syrup and vanilla, while mixing on low.
- Add heavy cream, if desired.
- Increase speed to medium, and continue beating 30 seconds or so, until light and fluffy.
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
Delicious and gorgeous! Double duty!! 🙂
Coleen Patrick says
Super cute!! 🙂
Carrie // cue the confetti says
These are so adorable and sound delicious! The maple cream cheese frosting sounds oh so yummy.
Cookbook Queen says
SO stinkin adorable!! Does ANY of your desserts turn out ugly??
Glory says
You’re super sweet Kristan! You made my morning! Oh yes, I make lots of non-pretty things… but I try to not post too many of them! We eat the evidence!
kimkake says
I just have to tell you how much I look forward to it when you post something new!! I am enjoying one of your pumpkin cinnamon muffins right now!! I LOVE your recipes!!
Blog is the New Black says
These look great!
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
Mmmmm…this sounds so yummy! Such beautiful presentation too 🙂
sue @ cakeballs, cookies and more says
wow they look and sound yummy, and those stands, so pretty!
Scotkat says
They look ever so tasty
Rita says
I can always count on you for the most beautiful and tasty display of goodies:)! Pin now, make later:)!