THE BEST Pumpkin Recipe.

This is by far the best pumpkin recipe I have made up to this point in my life. They are amazingly moist and the spices are just perfect. Topped off with an amazing caramel buttercream frosting, they cannot be beat!

Pumpkin Cupcakes

▪ 2 cups all-purpose flour

▪ 1 teaspoon baking soda

▪ 1 teaspoon baking powder

▪ 1 teaspoon coarse salt

▪ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

▪ 1 teaspoon ground ginger

▪ 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

▪ 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

▪ 1 cup packed light-brown sugar

▪ 1 cup granulated sugar

▪ 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

▪ 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

▪ 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

▪

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Add dry ingredients, and mix on low until smooth. Fold in pumpkin puree.

Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about halfway. Bake until tops spring back when touched, and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pans once if needed. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

Makes ~ 18 cupcakes.

Salted Caramel Buttercream

▪ 1/4 cup granulated sugar

▪ 2 tablespoons water

▪ 1/4 cup heavy cream

▪ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

▪ 1 stick salted butter

▪ 1 stick unsalted butter

▪ 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

▪ 2 cups powdered sugar

In a saucepan, stir together granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cook without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and slowly add in cream and vanilla, stirring until very smooth. Let caramel cool for about 20 minutes, until it is just barely warm and still pourable.

In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and salt together until lightened and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Scrape down the side of the bowl and add the caramel. Beat on medium high speed until light and airy, and completely mixed (about 2 minutes). Mixture should be ready to use without refrigeration. If your caramel was too hot when added, it will cause your icing to be runny. If this happens refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.