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Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting Recipe for Cakes and Cupcakes

pumpkin spice buttercream frosting - featured image

A creamy, spiced buttercream frosting that combines the silky sweetness of buttercream with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup (230g) of unsalted butter. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy whipping.
  2. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it’s creamy and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add 4 cups (480g) of powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high speed for another minute after each addition.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. Mix on low to incorporate.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat for another minute until the spices and pumpkin puree are fully blended.
  6. If the frosting feels too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream and beat until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and give it one final whip to ensure everything is smooth and creamy.
  8. Chill the frosting for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a piping bag if you plan to pipe the frosting.

Notes

[‘Ensure your butter is soft but not melted for the smoothest texture.’, ‘Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid a messy explosion.’, ‘Taste as you go to adjust the spice level to your preference.’, ‘Chill the frosting briefly if it feels too soft for piping.’, ‘Double the batch if frosting a large cake.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin spice, buttercream frosting, fall dessert, autumn recipe, cupcake frosting, cake frosting, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg