Description
This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting is a deliciously smooth and creamy topping perfect for fall-inspired desserts. Made with softened butter and cream cheese, combined with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this frosting adds a rich, flavorful twist to cakes, cupcakes, and more. Its velvety texture and perfectly balanced sweetness make it a seasonal favorite that’s easy to prepare in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Flavor and Sweetening
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Gradually mix in the pumpkin puree into the butter and cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until the pumpkin is fully incorporated and the frosting has an even, creamy texture.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mixture while continuing to beat. This gradual addition helps prevent the sugar from flying everywhere and ensures a smooth frosting without graininess.
- Mix in Spices and Vanilla: Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the warm spices and enhance the overall flavor profile of the frosting.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or spice levels as desired, adding more powdered sugar or spices if you prefer a stronger flavor before using it to frost your baked goods.
Notes
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for best texture and easier mixing.
- Pumpkin puree can be homemade by roasting and pureeing pumpkin or canned for convenience.
- If the frosting is too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes to firm up before spreading.
- This frosting is best used immediately but can be refrigerated up to 3 days; rewhip before use.
- Adjust spices according to your preference for a milder or stronger autumn flavor.
