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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Brown Butter Frosting

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Brown Butter Frosting

Delight in these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Brown Butter Frosting, a perfect treat for autumn gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: DESSERTS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes
  • 1 cup Cake Flour All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda Essential for rising.
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder Vital for fluffy cupcakes.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Lower-sodium variety optional.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon Switch to pumpkin pie spice for a different profile.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger Fresh ginger also works.
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg Freshly ground is more potent.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Can replace half with brown sugar.
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar Can swap with white sugar.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Melted coconut oil or applesauce can be alternatives.
  • 2 large Eggs Use a flax egg for a vegan version.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Pure vanilla is preferred.
  • 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree Ensure it’s pure puree.
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk Substitute with non-dairy milk if desired.
For the Frosting
  • 1/2 cup Salted Butter Unsalted is fine if you prefer.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened for easy mixing.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust according to sweetness preference.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cupcake Liners
  • Muffin pan

Method
 

Cupcake Preparation
  1. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 6-9 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin pans with cupcake liners.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and other spices.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated and brown sugars with the vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth.
  5. Add Flavors: Stir in vanilla extract, canned pumpkin puree, and whole milk until combined.
  6. Mix Everything: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined.
  7. Bake: Spoon the batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting
  1. Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and cooled brown butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, spices, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until fluffy.
  2. Frost Cupcakes: Once cooled, pipe or spread the frosting generously on each cupcake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans for an extra touch.

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