Description
Moist and fluffy Spooky Pumpkin Cupcakes topped with festive Halloween decorations. Perfect for parties or trick-or-treat gatherings, these cupcakes can be adorned with buttercream or cream cheese frosting, candy eyes, and mini pumpkin toppers for a spooky and fun look.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (makes 12 cupcakes):
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
⅓ cup whole milk
For the Frosting (Buttercream or Cream Cheese):
8 oz (1 package) cream cheese or butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Orange, green, or black food coloring (optional for Halloween theme)
For Decorations:
Candy eyes
Mini candy pumpkins
Chocolate chips or sprinkles
Edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Bake Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Mix in pumpkin puree. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk until just combined.
Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare Frosting
Beat cream cheese or butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar.
Add vanilla extract and 2–3 tablespoons milk until desired consistency is reached.
Tint frosting with food coloring for a festive Halloween look.
Step 3: Decorate Cupcakes
Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
Add candy eyes, mini pumpkins, chocolate chips, or sprinkles to create spooky faces or designs.
Optional: Add edible glitter for extra magic.
Notes
- Flavor Tip: Use fresh pumpkin puree for a more vibrant pumpkin flavor.
- Make Ahead: Cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and frosted just before serving.
- Mini Version: Halve the recipe to make bite-sized cupcakes for party platters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Halloween Cupcakes
- Method: Baked / Decorated
- Cuisine: American