01 -
Preheat the oven to 160ºC/320ºF (conventional) and line a 12-cup cupcake tray with 12 liners.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.
03 -
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
04 -
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until no dry flour remains.
05 -
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 23-24 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
06 -
Cool the cupcakes on a rack. After 5 minutes, remove them from the tin to cool completely.
07 -
If in Europe, press cream cheese with paper towels to remove excess water. Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature. Sift powdered sugar.
08 -
Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and dark brown sugar for 5 minutes on high speed. Scrape down the bowl and mix for another 2 minutes.
09 -
Add the cream cheese and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix for 1 minute.
10 -
On low speed, add the sifted powdered sugar in two parts, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape the bowl and mix on low for 2 minutes.
11 -
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a round tip (e.g., Wilton 1A). Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, decorate with fondant pumpkins or a dusting of pumpkin spice.