Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of warm, festive flavors and rich textures. Ideal for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, these cupcakes feature a delightful pumpkin base filled with luscious salted caramel sauce and topped with creamy frosting. Their unique combination of spices and sweetness makes them a standout treat that will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward instructions make these cupcakes accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, spices, and salted caramel creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or cozy family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with creamy frosting and drizzled caramel, these cupcakes look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the necessary tools to simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cupcake pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Sifter
• Piping bag with star tip
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake pan: Essential for shaping your cupcakes evenly while baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls allows for better mixing and prevents cross-contamination of ingredients.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in lighter cupcakes.
• Piping bag: Achieves a professional look when decorating your cream cheese frosting.

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
• 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated Sugar
• 1/3 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 Homemade 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 flour, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin purée, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, both sugars, and buttermilk. Whisk until everything is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Whisk gently until fully combined. Fill each liner about two-thirds full.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Remove cupcakes from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before decorating. Meanwhile, prepare one recipe of my Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 8: Fill with Salted Caramel Sauce (Optional)

Use the bottom of a piping tip or an apple corer to cut out holes from the tops of the cooled cupcakes. Fill each hole with Salted Caramel Sauce.

Step 9: Decorate

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 more salted caramel sauce on top if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Whether for a gathering or a cozy night at home, here are some delightful ways to enjoy them.

For a Cozy Fall Gathering

• Coffee Pairing: Serve with a warm cup of spiced coffee or pumpkin spice latte for a comforting treat.
• Autumn-Themed Platter: Arrange the cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and mini pumpkins for a festive touch.

At a Party or Celebration

• Cupcake Tower: Create an eye-catching cupcake tower, stacking these treats high to impress guests.
• Themed Decor: Use themed table settings, like autumn leaves and candles, to enhance the overall presentation.

As Part of a Dessert Bar

• Mini Cupcake Option: Make mini versions of the cupcakes for guests to sample multiple flavors at a dessert bar.
• Topping Station: Set up a station with extra toppings like crushed nuts or whipped cream for customizations.

For Everyday Enjoyment

• Simple Snack: Enjoy these cupcakes fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk for an everyday treat.
• Dessert After Dinner: Serve them as a sweet ending to your fall dinners alongside vanilla ice cream.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Pumpkin Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Measure ingredients: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results in texture and flavor.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature for better mixing and fluffier cupcakes.
• Check doneness early: Start checking cupcakes at 16 minutes to avoid overbaking; they should be just set and slightly springy.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating to prevent melting the frosting.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for extra texture and flavor depth.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful Pumpkin Cupcakes pair well with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Cinnamon Applesauce: A warm bowl of homemade applesauce spiced with cinnamon enhances the fall flavors.
2. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar provides a crunchy contrast.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic serve as a savory balance to sweet desserts.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of the cupcakes beautifully.
5. Harvest Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and pecans adds brightness and crunch against rich frosting.
6. Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of velvety butternut squash soup makes for an inviting pairing during chilly evenings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or buttermilk can lead to a lumpy batter. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cupcakes dense. Mix until just combined for light and fluffy cupcakes.
• Not checking oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at 350°F (177°C) before baking.
• Ignoring cooling time: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
• Using store-bought caramel sauce: While convenient, homemade salted caramel sauce offers better flavor and texture. Make your own for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze un-frosted cupcakes for better texture and flavor retention.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C), wrap in foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Cover in a pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

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 puree. Just ensure it is well-cooked and blended smooth.

How do I achieve the perfect cupcake texture?

Be careful not to overmix your batter. Mix just until combined for light and airy cupcakes.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.

How do I customize my frosting?

Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or more vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of your Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are delightful treats that capture the essence of fall. They’re not only perfect for any celebration but also versatile enough to be customized with different toppings or flavors. Try making them today and enjoy this cozy dessert!