Sharing is caring!

Welcome to our delightful world of sweet treats! If you’re a fan of rich, creamy, and spiced fall flavors, then you’re in for a treat with our Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes recipe. These cupcakes combine the warmth of pumpkin and spices with the irresistible sweetness of dulce de leche, making them the perfect indulgence for the season. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are bound to impress. Let’s dive in and make these Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes together!

Introduction

Our Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes are a mouthwatering fusion of traditional pumpkin spice flavors with a luscious dulce de leche filling. This recipe celebrates the comforting essence of fall with the warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, paired with the rich, caramelized sweetness of dulce de leche. These cupcakes are a perfect addition to any dessert table, offering a delicious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

What makes these cupcakes stand out is the gooey dulce de leche center, which adds a luxurious surprise to each bite. Pumpkin cupcakes are already a fall favorite, but when filled with this golden, creamy delight, they truly become next-level treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time.

Ingredients for Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to make these Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes:

Cupcake Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)

Frosting Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup dulce de leche
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Substitutions:

• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
• Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version.

How to Make Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes – Step by Step

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes. This is a foolproof recipe that’s easy to follow, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll have bakery-worthy cupcakes in no time!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This step is essential to ensure your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt. These spices are the heart of this pumpkin cupcake recipe, bringing warmth and depth to the flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The pumpkin puree not only gives the cupcakes their distinct flavor but also keeps them moist.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. This ensures they rise perfectly without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! Once done, allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Fill the Cupcakes with Dulce de Leche

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a small spoon or piping nozzle to create a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with about a teaspoon of dulce de leche. This is where the magic happens—each bite will have a gooey, caramel center!

Step 8: Prepare the Dulce de Leche Frosting

For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and dulce de leche. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and ready to be piped or spread on the cupcakes.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Frost each cupcake generously with the dulce de leche buttercream. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more dulce de leche on top for that irresistible caramel finish. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes

To make the best Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and creamy frosting.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense cupcakes. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Homemade dulce de leche: If you can’t find store-bought dulce de leche, you can make your own by simmering sweetened condensed milk until it caramelizes.
• Filling tip: Use a piping bag with a small round tip to make filling the cupcakes easier and neater.

Cooking Tips for the Best Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes

For the perfect batch of Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes, here are some cooking techniques to keep in mind:

• Use an ice cream scoop to fill the cupcake liners: This ensures each cupcake is the same size, resulting in even baking.
• Cool completely before filling: If the cupcakes are still warm when you add the dulce de leche, it will melt and not stay inside the cupcake.
• For a thicker frosting: If you prefer a thicker buttercream, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes

These cupcakes are rich and flavorful, making them the perfect centerpiece for any dessert table. Here are some serving ideas:

• Pair with coffee or tea: The warm spices in the cupcakes pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with nuts or cinnamon: For added texture, sprinkle crushed pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosted cupcakes.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 cupcake):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg

These Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes offer a balance of rich flavors and moderate nutrition, making them a satisfying dessert option.

Storage and Leftovers for Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes

If you have any leftover cupcakes (though that might be unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frosted cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for 1 day.
• Refrigerator: To extend their shelf life, store the cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to cover them well to prevent them from drying out.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the cupcakes (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes

1. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

2. What can I substitute for dulce de leche?
If you can’t find dulce de leche, you can use caramel sauce or even Nutella as a filling.

3. How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and avoid opening the oven door during baking to maintain a stable temperature.

4. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes and store them in the fridge or freezer. Fill and frost them just before serving.

Related Recipes for Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcake Lovers

If you enjoyed these Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes, you might also love these similar recipes:

Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies | Spooky Treats

Luscious Cinnamon Sugar Apple Butter Cookies | Gooey Filling

Conclusion

Thank you for joining me in creating these indulgent Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes! With their soft pumpkin base, sweet caramel filling, and rich buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply for your own sweet cravings, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. Don’t forget to leave your feedback, share your personal variations, and tag us when you try this recipe!

Print