Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers around the table, laughter fills the air, and the aroma of delicious food wafts through the house. One of my all-time favorite treats to whip up for this special occasion is the *thanksgiving cupcake cake*. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece! Imagine the joy on everyone’s faces as they dive into these festive, pumpkin-flavored delights, each one topped with a swirl of creamy frosting and a sprinkle of colorful candies. Trust me, no Thanksgiving celebration is complete without this sweet treat making an appearance!
Ingredients List
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can cream cheese frosting
- Decorative candies and sprinkles for festive decoration
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and rise beautifully. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vegetable oil. I like to mix the dry ingredients first to avoid any clumps, then add in the wet ones. Stir until everything is well combined and you’ve got a smooth batter. It should be a lovely orange hue from the pumpkin—so pretty!
Bake the Cupcakes
Now, pour that delicious batter into a greased cupcake pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake them in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will be heavenly!
Cool and Frost
Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is super important; if you frost them too soon, the frosting will melt right off! Once cool, generously frost each cupcake with cream cheese frosting. I like to swirl it on for that homemade touch!
Decorate
Lastly, unleash your creativity! Grab some decorative candies and sprinkles to jazz up those cupcakes. Whether you go for autumn leaves, colorful sprinkles, or even little edible pumpkins, have fun with it! Your *thanksgiving cupcake cake* will be a showstopper on the dessert table!
Nutritional Information
Each delightful *thanksgiving cupcake cake* comes in at about 200 calories per cupcake. You’ll find around 8g of fat, 2g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates in each serving. Keep in mind that these values can slightly vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive presentation that adds a splash of color to your Thanksgiving table.
- Delicious pumpkin flavor that captures the essence of the season.
- Great for gatherings; everyone loves cupcakes, especially when they’re this cute!
- Flexible recipe that can be adapted to suit any guest’s taste.
- Make-ahead friendly, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *thanksgiving cupcake cake* turns out perfectly, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, always test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it’s still wet, give them a couple more minutes. Also, when frosting, make sure the cupcakes are completely cool to avoid melting your cream cheese frosting. For an even layer, start from the center and work your way out in a circular motion. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations—this is your chance to make them uniquely yours!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your *thanksgiving cupcake cake*! For a spicier kick, try adding a teaspoon of ginger or cloves to the batter—this adds a lovely warmth. You can also switch up the frosting; a maple cream cheese frosting would complement the pumpkin beautifully! Or, for a chocolate twist, use chocolate frosting and top with mini chocolate chips. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider substituting half of the oil with applesauce. The possibilities are endless, and each variation is sure to delight your guests!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Thanksgiving experience, consider pairing these delightful *thanksgiving cupcake cakes* with a creamy pumpkin spice latte or a warm apple cider. They also go wonderfully alongside traditional dishes like roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. For a light touch, serve them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, these cupcakes will shine even brighter when shared with your favorite holiday flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *thanksgiving cupcake cake* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just let them sit at room temperature for a bit to soften up. No need to reheat—these cupcakes are delightful served chilled or at room temp, with that creamy frosting still perfectly intact!
Print
Thanksgiving Cupcake Cake: 5 Festive Delights to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cupcake cake perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can cream cheese frosting
- Decorative candies and sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, water, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oil.
- Pour the batter into a greased cupcake pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Frost the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate with candies and sprinkles as desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Feel free to add more spices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cupcake cake, pumpkin cupcakes, festive dessert
