Name: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: Cupcakes:; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 package pumpkin spice cake mix; 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup diced crystallized ginger or ginger mini-chips; 3/4 cup water; Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:; 8 ounce cream cheese; 1/2 cup vegetable shortening; 1/8 teaspoon orange oil; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 4 cup glazing sugar or confectioners' sugar, sifted

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

By: King Arthur Flour

4 Comments

By: King Arthur Flour

For a quick and scrumptious Halloween snack recipe make these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. With spiced and sweet flavors that go perfect together this cupcake is to die for.

Notes

Makes 21 large or 42 mini cupcakes.

Did you enjoy this recipe? It was featured in 20 of Our Best Pumpkin & Halloween Recipes, check it out for more seasonal recipe fun!

For more Halloween recipes see our latest free to download eCookbook collection, 23 Spooky Halloween Recipe Ideas.

See this recipe and more in 55 Awesome Pumpkin Recipes.

More Recipe Ideas for You

If you enjoyed making Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, we have a few more recipe ideas that we think you'll love!

For those who enjoy baking with seasonal ingredients, we recommend trying our recipe for Apple Cider Donuts. These delicious treats are perfect for fall with their warm spices and sweet apple flavor. The cider-infused glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

If you're looking for something a little more challenging to showcase your baking skills, we suggest trying your hand at making Macarons. These delicate French cookies come in a variety of flavors and colors, making them a fun and customizable dessert option. The crisp, airy shell filled with a rich buttercream or ganache is sure to impress your family and friends.

For a simple and comforting dessert that's perfect for any occasion, consider making our Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies. These timeless treats are a favorite for a reason - the combination of gooey chocolate chips and buttery dough is irresistible. They're perfect for baking with kids, sharing with friends, or enjoying with a glass of milk for a late-night snack.

No matter what type of recipe you're looking for, we have something for everyone to enjoy. Happy baking!

Cooking Time20 min

Ingredients

Cupcakes:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 package pumpkin spice cake mix
4 large eggs
1/2 cup diced crystallized ginger or ginger mini-chips
3/4 cup water
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/8 teaspoon orange oil
1 tablespoon orange zest
4 cups glazing sugar or confectioners' sugar, sifted

Instructions

Cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line two muffin tins with 21 papers, and spray the insides of the papers to keep the cakes from tearing when you eat them.
Fill the 3 remaining wells of the muffin tin halfway with water.
For the cake: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add half of the pumpkin spice mix and stir until well-blended.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping the bowl after reach addition.
Stir in the crystallized ginger (if you're using it; and you really should, as it makes these cupcakes something special).
Add the water 1/4 cup at a time.
Alternately with the remaining mix, mixing until well-blended after each addition.
Scoop the batter into the cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake the cakes in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven, and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before taking them out of the pan and placing them on a rack to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and shortening together until smooth.
Add the oil and zest, beating well.
Add the glazing or confectioners' sugar one cup at a time, beating until fluffy.
Scrape the bowl once more, beat for one more minute, then use to frost the cupcakes.