Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

These Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes are an edible version of the beloved fall drink, combining the warmth of pumpkin and spices with the richness of coffee. Each bite transports you to the cozy atmosphere of autumn, with the tender crumb of the cupcake and the creamy frosting perfectly balancing the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These cupcakes are not just a treat but also a celebration of the season, making them perfect for fall gatherings and festivities.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 large eggs
• 15 oz. canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup coffee
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee
• ¼ cup half and half or full-fat milk/cream
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• For the frosting:
  • 9 tablespoons butter at room temperature
  • 6 oz. cream cheese, soft
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 2½ cups powdered confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your cupcakes, adding those familiar warm, fall flavors.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add in the pumpkin puree. Brew a fresh cup of coffee and mix in instant coffee to intensify the flavor, followed by half and half (or milk/cream). Add the coffee mixture to the pumpkin mixture, along with the vegetable oil, and whisk until everything is fully combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in denser cupcakes.

5. Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, adding about ¼ cup of batter to each liner.

6. Bake Cupcakes: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

7. Make Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice together until smooth. Then, add in chunks of cream cheese and shortening, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.

8. Frost Cupcakes: Transfer the frosting into a pastry bag fitted with your desired cupcake tip. If needed, chill the frosting in the pastry bag to help maintain its shape while piping. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Top Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the pumpkin puree and coffee, are fresh to get the best flavors.

2. Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense cupcakes.

3. Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting adheres properly.

4. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a stronger or weaker spice flavor, adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice according to your taste.

5. Chill Frosting: Chilling the frosting helps maintain its shape while piping, making it easier to create smooth, even designs.

6. Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding gingersnap cookies, green straws, or caramel sauce to give your cupcakes an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Variations

1. Espresso Powder Addition: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for an even stronger coffee flavor.

2. Chai Spice Mix-In: Mix in some chai spice blend into the batter for an extra layer of autumnal flavors.

3. Whipped Cream Frosting: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a whipped cream frosting for a lighter, sweeter option.

4. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes for an added layer of sweetness and texture.

5. Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts over the frosted cupcakes for added crunch.

6. Spiced Caramel Frosting: Mix in some caramel sauce and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the frosting for a spiced caramel flavor.

Nutritional Guide

Additional Nutritional Notes: These cupcakes are relatively high in calories and fat due to the use of butter and cream cheese in the frosting. However, they are also rich in fiber from the pumpkin puree and provide a good balance of carbohydrates and protein. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, consider using less sugar or substituting some of the butter with healthier fats like avocado oil.