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Baking the perfect cupcake is an art that involves careful attention to time and temperature. When it comes to your spiced pumpkin cupcakes, you want them to be moist and fluffy, not dry or undercooked. Here’s how to check for doneness to ensure your cupcakes come out just right.

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes

Embrace the flavors of fall with Festive Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes! These moist and spiced delights are topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons. Discover the secret to achieving the ideal texture and taste with pumpkin puree, a blend of warming spices, and a touch of sweetness. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these irresistible cupcakes that celebrate the essence of autumn. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

A pinch of cinnamon for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to keep everything neat and tidy.

    Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk, blend these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.

      Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), and salt. This step ensures your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. With a spatula, gently fold them together until there are no dry streaks left, being careful not to overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

          Fill Cupcake Liners: Carefully distribute the batter into the prepared muffin pan. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full, which allows room for the cupcakes to rise as they bake.

            Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean when they are done. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

              Prepare the Frosting: As the cupcakes cool, start on the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. If you find the frosting too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired spreadable consistency.

                Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, take your frosting and generously spread it on top of each cupcake using a spatula or piping bag for a decorative touch.

                  Garnish: For an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over each frosted cupcake.

                    Serve & Enjoy: Share these charmingly spiced pumpkin cupcakes at your next celebration, or savor them as a comforting treat at home. They’re sure to be a hit with friends and family!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 12 cupcakes