The Simple Slim Kitchen 30-day meal planning system
30 DAYS OF MEALS
🍴 MAKE DINNER EASIER
Tired of Figuring Out What to Cook Every Night?
Get 62 simple recipes, a complete 30-day meal plan, weekly shopping lists and easy meal-prep guidance.
Complete Digital System — Just $17
SEE THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN →
Instant digital access • One-time purchase
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the flavors of fall with these Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfectly moist and bursting with pumpkin goodness, these cupcakes are drizzled with rich caramel that makes each bite an irresistible treat. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these cupcakes are sure to delight every palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of autumn in every bite. Here’s why you’ll crave them:

  • Moist and Flavorful: The pumpkin puree keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist.
  • Perfectly Spiced: A blend of warm spices enhances the pumpkin flavor.
  • Irresistible Topping: Cream cheese frosting and caramel drizzle take these cupcakes to the next level.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make baking a breeze.
  • Great for Sharing: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just because!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Cupcake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and caramel sauce, mixing until creamy and well combined.
  8. Once the cupcakes are cooled completely, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a knife.
  9. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Don’t overbake the cupcakes; keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.
  • For a more intense flavor, consider adding a pinch of cloves to the spice mix.
  • Use a piping bag for the frosting to achieve that perfect swirl.

Easy Variations

  • Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
  • Add chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
  • Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.

What to Serve With It

  • A hot cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte.
  • Vanilla ice cream for a delightful à la mode experience.
  • A scoop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. These cupcakes can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to frost them after thawing.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield/Servings: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and caramel sauce, mixing until creamy and well combined.
  8. Once the cupcakes are cooled completely, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a knife.
  9. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes: These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, frost after thawing.

Your Next 30 Days of Meals — Already Planned
The Simple Slim Kitchen
Stop wondering what to cook every night. Get a complete 30-day meal system that makes meals, shopping & prep easier.
✓ 62 Recipes ✓ 30-Day Plan ✓ Shopping Lists ✓ Meal Prep
Get the complete digital system
$37 $17 TODAY
Instant Access  •  One-Time Purchase  •  60-Day Guarantee
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top