Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Growing up in Ohio, autumn was always one of the most exciting times of year; there were always fairs and festivals to go to. I remember sticking out the two hour ride from where I live to visit the Circleville, Ohio Pumpkin Festival. I had- and have never- seen pumpkins that size, let alone fathom how someone could win a first place ribbon for the most glorious pumpkin. They all would have made lovely jack-o-lanterns and delicious pumpkin cupcakes. Finding new ways to appreciate the season- since it's very easy for most of us to skip over fall into winter- makes the next couple months all the more special. These pumpkin cupcakes ushered in just the right seasonal buzz, and warmth. Their light texture and rich frosting, make them the perfect fall crave, and you'll definitely have to double this recipe because 12 just isn't enough to go around!!
Ingredients 
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. allspice
1 1/4 cups superfine sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 lightly beaten eggs 
1/2 cup milk
1 cup pumpkin Purée
*1/2 cup chopped pecans
*1 cup chocolate chips 
Frosting Ingredients
8 ounces (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 
8 ounces (1 cup) whipped cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
*Yields: 12 cupcakes
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°. Place 12 cupcake liners in a muffin pan. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, beat the oil, eggs, and milk. Stir in the pumpkin puree. Combine the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture. After well combined, stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. Spoon batter into the muffin cups. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan and cool for 5 minutes. Then remove the cupcakes and cool on a rack. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. On a low speed, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Generously top cupcakes with frosting once they have completely cooled.
Bon Appétit!

6 comments:

  1. looks amazing chana! perfect for fall. I miss coming over for coffee and treats :)

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  2. I love this post. Love the pictures, love pumpkin anything and LOVE circleville!

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  3. these little cupcakes are pumpkin perfection. so light and airy and tasty and pretty.

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