January 27, 2025

cream filled pumpkin cupcakes

Cream Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate the fall season, cream filled pumpkin cupcakes might be just what you need. These treats combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices with a smooth cream cheese filling. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing. You’ll want to know how to create this delightful dessert, from mixing the batter to adding the finishing touches. Let’s explore the steps to make your own batch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious fall treat that’s easy to make, you’ll love these cream-filled pumpkin cupcakes. They require just 12 minutes of prep time and eliminate the hassle of rolling a pumpkin roll. Using cupcake forms simplifies the process while ensuring a moist, tender texture. The recipe features flavorful ingredients like pumpkin puree, cream cheese filling, and a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, which enhance the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Plus, this recipe yields 24 cupcakes, perfect for sharing or indulging alone. You can also customize the frosting with healthier options and add a crumble topping for extra crunch. This kid-friendly recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making it a great choice for family gatherings or casual events. Enjoy your baking adventure!

History

Cream-filled pumpkin cupcakes have a rich history that highlights their evolution from traditional fall treats to modern favorites.

Early recipes, like those from 2008 and 2011, introduced pumpkin cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting, showcasing seasonal flavors. These cupcakes drew inspiration from classic desserts such as pumpkin pie and spice cakes, which feature ingredients like pumpkin puree and warm spices. Easy pumpkin cupcakes have become a reader favorite, offering a delightful alternative to traditional pumpkin desserts.

Over the years, innovative techniques emerged, allowing bakers to core cupcakes and fill them with unique mixtures like caramel or pumpkin spice curd.

Recipe

Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Filling:
4 ounces cream cheese softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin Cupcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Set aside.
Make the Cupcake Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.

In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Fill the Cupcake Liners: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Scoop a small amount of the pumpkin batter into each liner, filling them about one-third full.

Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling on top, then add more pumpkin batter to fill the liners about two-thirds full.

Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and mix until smooth.

Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a modified ziplock bag to pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake.

You can add decorative touches like a dollop of frosting on top or sprinkle with spices if desired.

Extra Tips: For best results, make certain all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This guarantees better mixing and a smoother batter. Additionally, these cupcakes are a popular pumpkin recipe that families enjoy during the fall.

If you want to make mini cupcakes, simply divide the batter into a mini muffin tin and bake for 12-13 minutes.

Store any leftover filled and frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator to keep them fresh, and consider using canned pumpkin puree for consistency in flavor and texture. Enjoy your baking!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your baking adventure with these delightful pumpkin cupcakes, remember that presentation and flavor play key roles in making your treat stand out.

To enhance your cupcakes, consider using pumpkin-shaped candies for a festive touch. When filling them, create a 1-inch square hole or use an apple corer for easy access. Each serving contains 584 calories, so be mindful of portion sizes when indulging.

Don’t forget to add whole cloves as garnishes, which offer both flavor and visual appeal. For a unique look, place reserved cake pieces on top of the filled cupcakes.

Finally, feel free to experiment with toppings like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flair.

FAQ

What should you know before diving into your pumpkin cupcake baking? First, avoid overfilling your cupcake liners. Filling them more than ¾ full can cause messy overflows and uneven baking.

Next, make certain your oven temperature is correct; too high can lead to explosions, while too low might flatten your cupcakes. Additionally, consider using a chilled bowl to speed up the whipping process for your cream filling, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

Pay attention to mixing; overmixing or overbeating can make your cupcakes dense or too airy.

Also, guarantee your leavening agents are fresh to help them rise properly.

Finally, always check for doneness with a toothpick to prevent underbaking or overbaking.