These cute pumpkin cupcakes are so easy to make and even more fun to decorate!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24Cupcakes
Ingredients
1(15.25 oz.) box yellow cake mix
1c.100% pumpkin
1/2c.water
1/3c.vegetable oil
4lg.eggs
1 1/2tsp.pumpkin pie spice
ORANGE CREAM FROSTING:
1(8 oz.) pkg. cream cheeseroom temperature
1c.unsalted butterroom temperature
3 1/2c.confectioner's sugar
2tsp.orange extract
Wilton orange gel food coloring
24mini Tootsie Roll candyfor stems
12mini Watermelon Air Heads candydivided, for vines
Instructions
CUPCAKES: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 12 count muffin pans with 24 cupcake cups.
In large bowl, beat cake mix, pumpkin, water, oil, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among cupcake cups (about two-thirds full).
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove cupcakes from pans to a cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
ORANGE CREAM FROSTING: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating after each addition. Add orange extract and food coloring until you get the perfect pumpkin color.
Fill a piping bag fitted with a 2D or 1M tip; pipe frosting onto cupcakes.
Mold each Tootsie Roll into a "stem." Cut each Watermelon Air Heads in half, mold into a "vine" by rolling between your palms into a 3-inch rope and then twist the rope to shape into a vine.