Spiced Applesauce Pumpkin Bliss Cupcakes
These Spiced Applesauce Pumpkin Bliss Cupcakes combine the warm flavors of fall with a moist, rich texture that makes them irresistible. The addition of canned pumpkin and applesauce creates a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, making these cupcakes perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy any time of year. Topped with a creamy, decadent cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are sure to impress your family and friends. Bake them today and enjoy the delightful flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cake mix
1 (18 ounce) (the kind with pudding in the mix)
canned pumpkin
1 cup (puree)
water
1/2 cup (none)
applesauce
1/3 cup (unsweetened or sweetened)
eggs
3 (large, beaten)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
powdered sugar
3 cups (sifted)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
vanilla
1 teaspoon (pure or imitation)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin pan by lining it with 24 paper cupcake liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin, water, applesauce, eggs, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
3
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until well blended, about 2 minutes. Then increase the speed to high and continue beating for an additional 3 minutes until the batter is light and fluffy.
4
Carefully spoon the prepared batter into the lined muffin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
6
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
8
Using an electric mixer, beat the frosting on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
9
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, generously frost each one with the cream cheese mixture using a spatula or piping bag.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Applesauce Pumpkin Bliss Cupcakes?
These are moist, rich cupcakes that combine yellow cake mix with canned pumpkin, applesauce, and fall spices, topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting.
How many cupcakes does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 cupcakes.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of cake mix should I use?
The recipe calls for one 18-ounce package of yellow cake mix, specifically the kind with pudding in the mix.
How much canned pumpkin is required?
You will need 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree.
Can I use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce?
You can use either 1/3 cup of unsweetened or sweetened applesauce.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 3 large, beaten eggs.
Which spices are added to the cupcake batter?
The batter is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How long should I beat the cupcake batter?
Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, then increase to high speed and beat for an additional 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
How much should I fill the cupcake liners?
Fill each lined muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter.
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should cupcakes cool in the pan?
Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and sifted powdered sugar.
How much cream cheese is used for the frosting?
You will need one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese.
How much butter is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 2 tablespoons of softened butter.
How much powdered sugar is in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar.
What type of vanilla can be used?
You can use 1 teaspoon of either pure or imitation vanilla extract.
How should the frosting be mixed?
Use an electric mixer to beat the frosting on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy.
When should I frost the cupcakes?
Wait until the cupcakes have completely cooled before applying the frosting.
What tools can I use to apply the frosting?
You can generously frost each cupcake using either a spatula or a piping bag.
Is water required for the batter?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 cup of water.
Why is applesauce used in this recipe?
Applesauce adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices.
Are these cupcakes suitable for holiday events?
Yes, their warm fall flavors make them perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies using sifted powdered sugar to ensure a smooth frosting texture.
What should the texture of the batter be after mixing?
The final batter should be light and fluffy after the 5-minute mixing process.
Can I use a muffin pan for this recipe?
Yes, a standard muffin pan lined with 24 paper liners should be used.
What makes the texture of these cupcakes rich?
The combination of the pudding-in-the-mix cake base, pumpkin puree, and applesauce creates a moist and rich texture.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, since it uses a cake mix base and simple mixing instructions, it is very approachable for home bakers.
What is the primary leavening agent?
The leavening agents are contained within the yellow cake mix and the added eggs.
Should the cupcakes be stored in the refrigerator?
Because the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, it is generally recommended to store them in the refrigerator.