Mini Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

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I'm not much of a baker, but my mom and a number of my aunts are all-stars. Over the years, I have left the pies and sweets to them as I developed my skills as a savory cook. This past Thanksgiving my Mom made mini pumpkin spice cupcakes that were outrageously good. When I asked her about the recipe I was stunned at how easy it was. So easy, that I thought it needed to be shared here.

This is the perfect recipe to make with the kids or even leave for another adult to do while your out finishing the Christmas shopping. If you’re not a good baker or blessed with great cooking skills in general, this is the recipe to make to impress the family. Baking doesn’t get any easier than this. Plus, the pumpkin spice flavor is perfect for a holiday treat.

A cake mix, can of pumpkin and a teaspoon of pie spice are all it takes to make the cake part and a can of frosting is used for the topping. The hardest part about this recipe is probably limiting the number of cupcakes you devour when they’re served.

BEHIND THIS BITE

Mini Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

I have declared my dislike for pumpkin several times at this blog. I sampled two different pies this Thanksgiving and thought they were ok – but nothing I would crave or go back for a second helping.

This pumpkin cupcake on the other hand IS DELICIOUS!

The pumpkin is really just a moisture base for it though, the spice cake mix and the pumpkin pie spices over power the subtle flavor of the pumpkin – which is a good thing to me. The cream cheese frosting also helps make this simple treat a must try for the holidays.

Like I said in the intro, my Mom made these for Thanksgiving and I was impressed. She also impressed my with her choice of items to take to the two family gatherings that we attended. She made two types of garden salad, a cranberry salad and these pumpkin spice cupcakes. At both parties, they were the only salads and cupcakes there, she really filled in some holes on both of the Thanksgiving spreads. So if you can’t think of anything to take to you’re next holiday party, either make these cupcakes or throw together a huge tossed salad – either should be a hit.

Eat well, cook often ...

THE RECIPE

Mini Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Makes 48 mini cupcakes; 45 minutes
1 box Spice cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 can Pumpkin (15 oz)
1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
1 can Cream Cheese Frosting (12 oz)
48 mini cupcake baking cups & mini cupcake pan

Make batter
Preheat oven to 325°
In a large bowl mix together cake mix, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice until well incorporated and a thick batter forms. Line a mini cupcake pan with mini cupcake baking cups. Fill cups 2/3 of the way full.

Bake, finish
Place cupcakes in oven and bake for 11 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool. Take cupcakes out of pan and top each with frosting,
then serve.