Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Fall is finally here, which means it’s time to indulge in all things pumpkin spice! These delicious pumpkin spice cupcakes are the perfect treat to satisfy your autumn cravings.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugars, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
• Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Popular questions:

• Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in this recipe.

• Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use canola oil or melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it is drained well to avoid excess moisture in the cupcakes.

• Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before frosting.

• How can I make a cream cheese frosting for these cupcakes?

You can make a delicious cream cheese frosting by mixing 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth.

Helpful tips:

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top of the cupcakes before baking.
• You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.
• Try using maple syrup instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
• If you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the frosting for a pumpkin spice twist.

Expert Secrets:

• To ensure a moist cupcake, do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to the wet ingredients.
• For a light and fluffy texture, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter.
• If you prefer a richer flavor, you can brown the butter before mixing it into the batter.
• For a decorative touch, pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes using a pastry bag and a star-shaped tip.