Print

Irresistible Pumpkin Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Frosting

pumpkin cupcakes - featured image

These pumpkin cupcakes with brown sugar frosting are the perfect treat for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or whenever you’re craving something irresistibly sweet and spiced.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
  • 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a larger bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. To make the frosting, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook until dissolved, about 2 minutes.
  8. Stir in milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
  9. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or milk if needed.
  10. Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally, garnish with cinnamon or chopped nuts.

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.’, ‘Let the brown sugar frosting cool for about 10 minutes before adding powdered sugar for easier handling.’, ‘Use a piping bag for a professional look or spread the frosting with a butter knife for a rustic appearance.’, ‘Sprinkle toasted pecans or sea salt on top for added texture and flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cupcakes, brown sugar frosting, fall dessert, easy cupcakes, spiced cupcakes