Quick & Fluffy Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

These delectable pumpkin cupcakes upgrade ordinary autumn moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Rich seasonal flavors dance across your palate with subtle warmth and complexity.

Smooth spices complement the tender cake’s velvety texture, creating an irresistible dessert that feels like a comforting embrace.

Delicate swirls of caramel cream cheese frosting elevate these cupcakes beyond simple sweet treats.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of classic fall ingredients that sing with sophisticated yet approachable charm.

Masterful baking techniques ensure a moist, perfectly balanced dessert that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

The result is a dessert that connects memory, tradition, and pure deliciousness.

What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic structure for the cupcake with soft, tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Classic warm spices that complement pumpkin flavor.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps cupcakes moist and tender.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture.
• Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• Pumpkin Puree: Signature flavor and color, best when pure and not pie filling.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting.
• Whipping Cream: Adjusts frosting consistency if needed.

• Granulated Sugar: Primary caramel component.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and prevents burning.
• Whipping Cream: Creates smooth, silky caramel texture.
• Sea Salt: Enhances and balances caramel sweetness.

How to Frost Pumpkin Cupcakes Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line muffin pans with colorful cupcake liners. Get ready for baking magic!

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Kosher salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredient Symphony

• Vegetable oil
• White granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and silky. Add pumpkin puree and blend until completely combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Slowly incorporate dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients. Pour in milk and continue whisking until the batter becomes perfectly smooth.

Step 5: Fill and Bake Cupcakes

Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about ¾ full. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cupcake Creations

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow complete cooling.

Step 7: Craft Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt granulated sugar over medium heat. Watch it transform into a golden amber liquid. Add butter and whisk vigorously. Pour in whipping cream and sea salt. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy. Blend in cream cheese. Gradually add powdered sugar and cooled caramel sauce. Adjust consistency with cream if needed.

Step 9: Decorate Cupcake Masterpieces

Use a piping bag with a decorative tip to frost cooled cupcakes. Drizzle extra caramel sauce for a stunning finish.

Tips for Balancing Pumpkin, Caramel, and Creaminess

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients, especially in baking, to ensure consistent and delicious cupcake texture.
• Room Temperature Matters: Allow eggs, butter, and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
• Don't Overmix Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to prevent tough, dense cupcakes and maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure cupcakes are entirely cool to prevent frosting from melting and sliding off the surface.
• Caramel Sauce Technique: Watch sugar carefully while melting to avoid burning, and use a light-colored pan to monitor color changes accurately.

How to Store These Cupcakes Without Losing Moisture

• Refrigeration: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from sticking.
• Room Temperature: Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel between layers to absorb moisture.
• Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Best Drinks to Serve with Pumpkin Caramel Cupcakes

• Brew Warm Autumn Coffee Companion: Pair these pumpkin cupcakes with a rich, medium-roast coffee from Guatemala or Colombia. The coffee's subtle chocolate and nutty undertones will beautifully complement the warm spices in the cupcake.
• Sip Smooth Caramel Chai Latte: A creamy chai latte with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger will echo the spice profile of the cupcakes. The drink's silky texture matches the caramel cream cheese frosting's luxurious feel.
• Match Spiced Apple Cider Twist: Serve a warm, mulled apple cider alongside these cupcakes. The cider's hint of cinnamon and clove will dance perfectly with the pumpkin spices, creating a harmonious autumn flavor experience.
• Drizzle Extra Caramel Delight: For those wanting an intensified sweet experience, serve a small shot glass of additional salted caramel sauce on the side. This allows guests to enhance their cupcake's richness with an extra caramel drizzle.

Topping Ideas That Take These Cupcakes Over the Top

• Autumn Spice Upgrade: Replace half the oil with applesauce for a lighter texture, and add extra ground cardamom and allspice to enhance the warm seasonal flavor profile.
• Nutty Pumpkin Crunch: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking, and sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the frosted cupcakes for added crunch and depth.
• Maple Bourbon Infusion: Swap white sugar with maple sugar, and add a tablespoon of bourbon to the caramel sauce for a rich, complex grown-up version of the original recipe that brings sophisticated warmth to the classic cupcake.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Delight: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cupcake's tender texture for those with dietary restrictions.

Why Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting Are Pure Autumn Magic

• Capture Autumn's Essence: These pumpkin cupcakes burst with warm, cozy spices that instantly transport you to crisp fall afternoons, making every bite a celebration of seasonal comfort.
• Texture Perfection: Enjoy a sublime combination of moist, tender cupcake crumb paired with velvety smooth cream cheese frosting and rich, luxurious salted caramel sauce that creates an irresistible multilayered experience.
• Gourmet Yet Approachable: While this recipe sounds fancy, it's surprisingly straightforward for home bakers, requiring basic ingredients and simple techniques that deliver professional-looking and tasting results without intimidating complexity.
• Sweet-Salty Flavor Symphony: The brilliant balance of sweet caramel, tangy cream cheese, and a hint of sea salt creates a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates these cupcakes from ordinary to extraordinary dessert.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pumpkin cupcakes with caramel cream cheese frosting deliver autumn’s warmest embrace. Spiced pumpkin cake layers crowned with silky caramel-infused cream cheese frosting promise delightful seasonal comfort that pulls you into fall’s delicious charm.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup pure pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup milk

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Caramel and Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare muffin tins with paper liners, ensuring enough space for approximately 14-16 cupcakes.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a medium mixing vessel, whisking flour, aromatic spices, leavening agents, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend oil, both white and brown sugars, and eggs until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous texture.
4. Incorporate pumpkin puree into the sugar mixture, stirring until completely integrated and uniform in color.
5. Gradually introduce dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk and whisking thoroughly to prevent lumps.
6. Carefully distribute batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
7. Transfer muffin tins to preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
9. For caramel sauce, melt granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it transforms into a rich amber liquid.
10. Add butter to melted sugar, whisking continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth consistency.
11. Reduce heat and carefully pour whipping cream into the caramel, stirring until perfectly blended, then introduce sea salt for a complex flavor profile.
12. Remove caramel from heat and allow complete cooling before preparing frosting.
13. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter until silky, then gently incorporate cream cheese.
14. Gradually blend powdered sugar and cooled caramel sauce into the butter mixture, adjusting consistency with cream if necessary.
15. Once cupcakes have completely cooled, apply frosting using a piping bag or spatula, creating elegant swirls or smooth coverage.
16. Optionally enhance presentation by drizzling additional caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Precise measurements and room temperature ingredients ensure the perfect texture and rise of your pumpkin cupcakes.
• Whisking dry and wet ingredients separately prevents lumps and creates a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
• Monitoring sugar while making caramel sauce requires constant attention to avoid burning and achieve a deep amber color.
• Softened butter and cream cheese are crucial for creating a silky, lump-free frosting that spreads beautifully.
• Cooling cupcakes completely before frosting prevents melting and maintains the intricate piped design.
• Drizzling extra caramel sauce adds a luxurious touch and elevates the visual appeal of these decadent treats.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg