Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall treat. Moist and flavorful, these cupcakes are filled with luscious salted caramel sauce and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They’re ideal for cozy gatherings, Halloween parties, or simply enjoying at home with a warm cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and salted caramel creates a unique and delightful taste experience.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can whip up these treats with confidence.
- Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving desserts, or any sweet craving throughout the year.
- Impressive Presentation: The decadent frosting and caramel drizzle make these cupcakes look as good as they taste.
- Fun to Customize: You can experiment with different fillings or toppings to make them your own.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these delicious cupcakes.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cupcake pan
- Paper liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag with star tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Cupcake pan: Essential for shaping your cupcakes perfectly for consistent baking.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to combine ingredients without mess.
- Piping bag with star tip: Helps create beautiful swirls of frosting that enhance presentation.
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!
For the Cupcakes
- 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
- 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
For the Frosting & Filling
- 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
Begin by preparing one recipe of my Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce. Allow it to cool completely or chill overnight before using it in the cupcakes.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners. Additionally, line a second pan with 4-6 liners since this recipe makes about 16-18 cupcakes.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the following:
All purpose flour
Pumpkin spice
Ground cinnamon
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Whisk these dry ingredients until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another large mixing bowl, add:
Canned pumpkin purée
Eggs (room temperature)
Pure vanilla extract
Vegetable oil
Light brown sugar (packed)
Granulated sugar
Buttermilk (room temperature)
Whisk until everything is smooth and combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Place your filled pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Remove the cupcakes from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 8: Add Salted Caramel Filling (Optional)
If desired, use either the bottom of a piping tip or an apple corer to create a small hole in each cupcake’s top. Fill each hole with salted caramel sauce.
Step 9: Frosting Time!
Transfer your prepared cream cheese frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (such as Wilton 1M). Pipe swirls onto each cupcake then drizzle more salted caramel sauce over them if you wish. Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Cupcakes!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience that enhances the flavors of this fall treat. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert presentation.
For a Cozy Fall Gathering
- Serve with Hot Apple Cider: Pair your cupcakes with warm apple cider for a comforting autumn experience.
- Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top adds extra creaminess to each bite.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Mix with Other Fall Treats: Include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cinnamon rolls for a festive dessert spread.
- Create Mini Cupcake Towers: Stack your cupcakes on tiered cake stands for an eye-catching display.
On Special Occasions
- Garnish with Edible Flowers: Brighten up the cupcakes by adding edible flowers for a special touch.
- Use Festive Sprinkles: Add seasonal sprinkles to make the cupcakes more visually appealing for parties or gatherings.
For Individual Treats
- Package as Party Favors: Wrap each cupcake in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for guests to take home.
- Serve in Mason Jars: Layer cupcake pieces and frosting in jars for a fun, portable dessert option.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Creating the perfect Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out just right.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients, especially baking powder and spices, are fresh for optimal flavor.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Allow eggs to reach room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix only until combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled to prevent melting the frosting.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate shavings to customize your frosting presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
When serving Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, complement them with delightful side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Spiced Apple Slices: Warm apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon make a sweet and tangy side.
- Caramel Popcorn: Crunchy caramel-coated popcorn pairs well and adds texture contrast.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances sweet flavors and offers variety.
- Roasted Nuts: Seasoned roasted nuts provide a savory snack that complements the sweetness of the cupcakes.
- Pumpkin Soup: A small cup of creamy pumpkin soup is perfect as an appetizer before indulging in desserts.
- Chai Tea Lattes: The spiced flavors of chai tea enhance the fall theme while providing warmth alongside the cupcakes.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Soft cinnamon rolls bring additional sweetness and comfort food vibes.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad can refresh the palate after rich cupcakes while adding brightness to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precision. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results each time.
- Using warm or hot caramel: Let your salted caramel sauce cool completely before filling the cupcakes. This prevents sogginess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep cupcakes un-frosted if possible; frost just before serving for best taste.
Freezing Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Freeze un-frosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap for better preservation.
Reheating Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cupcake for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place a cupcake in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many readers have questions about making these delicious treats. Here are some of the most common inquiries:
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is well-drained to avoid extra moisture.
What if I can’t find pumpkin spice?
You can create your own blend using equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
How do I make the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting?
Follow my recipe provided above, ensuring your cream cheese is softened before mixing.
Can I make these pumpkin cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for great results.
How should I store leftover cupcakes?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if frosted.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are not only perfect for fall gatherings but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them by adding nuts or adjusting the sweetness of the frosting. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy the wonderful flavors of autumn!
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 cupcakes 1x
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. Each moist cupcake is infused with the warmth of pumpkin spice and filled with rich salted caramel sauce, creating a sweet surprise in every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of homemade caramel, these cupcakes are perfect for autumn celebrations, Halloween parties, or simply enjoying alongside your favorite hot beverage. Easy to make and visually stunning, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 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
- 1 recipe of salted caramel sauce
- 1 recipe of cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In one bowl, mix flour, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, vanilla extract, oils, sugars, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended.
- Fill liners about 2/3 full and bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting and drizzling salted caramel on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (75g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
