Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 (18.25 ounce) box Duncan Hines Signature Spice Cake
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 lb (about 5 3/4 cups) confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Line muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat together the cake and pudding mixes, pumpkin pie spice, sour cream, pumpkin, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Beat for about two minutes on medium speed until well combined.
  • Using a large cookie scoop, distribute the batter between 24 muffin wells; about 3 tablespoons of batter per well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the tops of the cakes spring back when lightly touched.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool inside muffin tins for about 10 minutes.
  • Remove cupcakes from muffin tins and allow to fully cool on a wire rack.
  • Once cupcakes are cool, prepare your frosting.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes.
  • Add in the butter and continue beating for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Turn the mixer down to low speed and gradually add in the confectioners' sugar until it is completely incorporated.
  • Add in vanilla and mix until incorporated.
  • Turn off the mixer and check the frosting for taste and texture.
  • Turn the mixer back up to medium-high speed and beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes or until light and fluffy.
  • Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.