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Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes – Irresistible Treat

Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cupcakes – Irresistible Treat


Description

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!


Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

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!

Notes

  • 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.