Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes are a delightful blend of rich chocolate and warm pumpkin spice. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to Halloween parties. With their moist texture and creamy pumpkin spice frosting, they stand out as an unforgettable treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and pumpkin creates a unique taste that is both comforting and indulgent.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a simple family dessert, these cupcakes fit right in.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, these cupcakes remain incredibly moist and tender.
• Versatile Toppings: Top them with cream cheese frosting or enjoy them plain; either way, they shine.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these chocolate pumpkin cupcakes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes whipping the butter and sugar together easy, ensuring a light texture.
• Muffin tin: Essential for shaping your cupcakes perfectly and ensuring even baking.

Ingredients

Chocolate pumpkin cupcakes are moist, super chocolatey, and full of pumpkin spice flavor. They’re topped with pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting for the ultimate fall treat!

For the Cupcakes

• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (62 g) sour cream, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s canned pumpkin)
• 1 cup (125 g) all purpose flour, sifted
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (30 g) black cocoa powder, sifted
• 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree dried to 1/4 cup (45 g) (Libby’s canned pumpkin)
• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cold
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 3 cups (390 g) powdered sugar, sifted

How to Make Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy.

Next, add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the whole milk, sour cream, and canned pumpkin puree into the mixture. Stir until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake

Spoon the batter into prepared cupcake liners filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Remove from oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter and cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until well blended. Stir in dried pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until fluffy.

Step 9: Frost Cupcakes

Once cooled, frost your chocolate pumpkin cupcakes generously with the pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or knife.

Enjoy your delicious chocolate pumpkin cupcakes!

How to Serve Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

Chocolate pumpkin cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply indulging on a cozy evening, these cupcakes can be served to enhance your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Rich Brew: Enjoy these cupcakes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.
• Spiced Latte: A pumpkin spice latte complements the flavors of the cupcakes beautifully.

Add Ice Cream

• Vanilla Scoop: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs well with the chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Consider adding cinnamon ice cream for an extra touch of autumn spice.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Classic Topping: Lightly sweetened whipped cream serves as a light and airy topping that enhances the cupcake’s richness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding a hint of vanilla or nutmeg to your whipped cream for added flavor.

Serve at Room Temperature

• Best Flavor: Allowing the cupcakes to sit at room temperature before serving brings out their full flavor profile, making each bite delightful.

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How to Perfect Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

To make sure your chocolate pumpkin cupcakes turn out perfectly, follow these handy tips. These will help elevate your baking game and ensure delicious results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder helps eliminate lumps and ensures even mixing, resulting in fluffier cupcakes.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light ones.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cupcakes at 15 minutes by inserting a toothpick; they are ready when it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting and sliding off.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

These chocolate pumpkin cupcakes can be complemented perfectly by some tasty side dishes. Here are some great ideas to serve alongside them for an unforgettable dessert experience.

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds a fruity contrast that enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
2. Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like cheddar, which pairs well with the sweetness of the cupcakes.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A smooth pumpkin soup serves as a cozy starter that will set the theme for your meal.
4. Candied Nuts: Sweet, crunchy candied nuts provide an excellent texture contrast when served alongside cupcakes.
5. Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, rich chocolate mousse makes an indulgent pairing.
6. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars add another layer of fall flavors and sweetness that complements the cupcakes beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best outcome.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs and milk can affect the batter’s consistency and texture.
• Skipping the sift: Not sifting flour and cocoa powder can lead to clumps in your batter. Sift these dry ingredients to ensure a smooth mix.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make cupcakes dense. Mix just until wet and dry ingredients are combined.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cupcakes to avoid overbaking or underbaking.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on time can be misleading. Use a toothpick to check if they are done; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap tightly before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make the cream cheese frosting?

Simply beat softened cream cheese and butter together, then gradually add powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice until creamy.

Are Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes suitable for dietary restrictions?

You can modify this recipe by substituting gluten-free flour or using dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a gluten-free or dairy-free version.

What should I serve with my cupcakes?

These cupcakes pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for fall gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes are a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly capture the essence of autumn. Their moist texture and rich taste make them irresistible! Feel free to customize them with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these cozy treats with friends and family!