Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients and Weight:

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g)
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons (10g)
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (2g)
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon (1g)
• Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g)
• Pumpkin puree: 1 cup (240g)
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g)
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115g)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese, softened: 1 cup (230g)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1/4 cup (57g)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Confectioners' sugar: 3 cups (360g)

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes for cupcake batter
• 10 minutes for frosting

Cooking Time:

• 15-17 minutes for cupcakes

Cooking Difficulty:

• Level 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Fill prepared cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract and confectioners' sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting.

Nutritional Information:

Per cupcake (with frosting):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Moist and fluffy cupcakes with a rich pumpkin flavor
• Creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting
• Festive fall-themed dessert

User Comments:

• "These cupcakes were so moist and flavorful. The frosting was the perfect complement."
• "I loved the subtle spices in the cupcakes. They made the perfect autumn treat."
• "The cupcakes were easy to make and turned out beautifully. I will definitely make them again."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
• Do not overbeat the cupcake batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting, as this will prevent the frosting from melting.
• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.