Pumpkin Cupcakes with Apple Butter Buttercream

These cupcakes are a great way to enjoy pumpkin.  They are super moist and full of great flavor.  The cupcakes couldn't be easier.  I used a box of yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin and pumpkin spice.  The pumpkin added a nice color and kept the cupcakes really moist.

I had some leftover apple butter from the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies I made last week, so I added it to my favorite buttercream.  It complemented the pumpkin spice cake perfectly!  I took these cupcakes to work and everyone LOVED them.  These would be great for Thanksgiving dessert or any time.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Apple Butter Buttercream
adapted from Betty Crocker
(Printable Recipe)

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1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup caramel bits
Apple Butter Buttercream (recipe follows)

Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, pumpkin, pecans, water, oil, eggs and pumpkin pie spice with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in caramel bits.  Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about two-thirds full). *I use a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop*

Bake 19 to 24 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Frost with Apple Butter Buttercream.


Apple Butter Buttercream

1 cup butter, room temperature
6 1/2 cups powdered sugar (may need a little more)
1/4 cup apple butter
2-4 Tbsp whipping cream
2 tsp pure vanilla extract

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add 6 1/2 cups sugar, apple butter, 2 Tbsp whipping cream, and vanilla; mix until light and fluffy. If necessary, gradually add more powdered sugar and whipping cream to reach desired consistency.