Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting are a cozy and flavorful dessert that blends warm fall spices with the creamy, caramel-like sweetness of cajeta (Mexican goat’s milk caramel). These moist pumpkin cupcakes are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting swirled with cajeta for a unique and indulgent treat, perfect for the holiday season or any fall celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist, spiced pumpkin cupcakes full of autumn flavor
• Cajeta adds a deep, rich caramel flavor to the frosting
• Simple to make but packed with gourmet taste
• Great for Thanksgiving, Día de los Muertos, or anytime
• A perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spiced

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pumpkin Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• Vanilla extract

For the Cajeta Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Cajeta (Mexican goat’s milk caramel)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Make the cupcake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. In another bowl, beat together the sugars, eggs, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
3. Bake: Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add cajeta, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
5. Frost cupcakes: Spread or pipe the cajeta frosting on cooled cupcakes. Drizzle with extra cajeta if desired and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spiced Frosting: Add a touch of cinnamon or clove to the frosting
• Stuffed Cupcakes: Pipe cajeta into the center of each cupcake before frosting
• Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting
• Maple-Cajeta: Blend a little maple syrup into the frosting for extra depth
• Mini Cupcakes: Make mini versions and reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Allow frozen cupcakes to thaw at room temperature before frosting

FAQs

What is cajeta?

Cajeta is a traditional Mexican caramel sauce made from goat’s milk and sugar, known for its rich, slightly tangy flavor.

Can I use dulce de leche instead of cajeta?

Yes, dulce de leche can be used, but it won’t have the same tangy depth that cajeta offers.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, and replace cajeta with a vegan caramel sauce.

How sweet is the frosting?

It’s rich and sweet, but the tang of cream cheese and the depth of cajeta help balance it nicely.

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and store them unfrosted until ready to serve.

Do I have to use a piping bag?

Nope! You can easily spread the frosting with a knife or spatula.

Can I make this into a cake instead of cupcakes?

Yes, bake in an 8-inch round or square pan for 25–30 minutes, adjusting as needed.

What pairs well with these cupcakes?

A warm mug of Mexican hot chocolate, café de olla, or a spiced chai latte.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just double all ingredients and bake in batches or use multiple pans.

Do the cupcakes need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese in the frosting, they should be refrigerated but can be served at room temp.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting are the perfect blend of cozy fall baking and Mexican sweetness. These cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and topped with a frosting that’s both rich and unique thanks to the cajeta. Whether for a fall celebration or just because, they’re a delicious way to enjoy the season’s best flavors with a cultural twist.

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