Pumpkin spiced cakes, breads, scones, muffins and coffee are an extreme weakness of mine as soon as the weather starts feeling more crisp and cool, and this almost guiltless treat is quick and easy to make. The cupcake itself is the more guilt free part, scoring only about 160 calories, 11 calories from fat per cupcake, if you make 36 servings. The frosting is wickedly rich and delicious, but comes in high in calories even with the Neufchatel Cheese, which has 1/3 less fat than cream cheese. The frosting nutritional count is 181 calories per cupcake, 65 of which are from fat. The cupcakes are delicious iced or not, so if you are watching your calorie/fat intake, go for it!
For the cupcake portion of the recipe, you need just two ingredients: two boxes of 1 lb 2.25 oz Betty Crocker Super Moist Spice Cake Mix, and a 29 oz can of Libby's pure pumpkin. (I wasn't able to get the 15 oz can of pumpkin from my grocery store, so I doubled up on the mix.)
That's it, it doesn't get much easier than that! Simply mix the two ingredients together until completely mixed, then scoop into greased cupcake paper liners until about two-thirds full. ( I used an ice cream scoop to keep the sizes uniform). Bake according to the directions on the box, about 18-23 minutes at 350 degrees. Test with a toothpick to see if done. Let sit for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
If you want to indulge even more and top these little puppies with creamy decadence, continue on with the frosting recipe.
Using two sticks of softened butter and 2 - 8 ounce packages of softened Neufchatel cheese, cream together for three minutes on medium until very smooth. Then add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix. Next, add 4 to 6 cups ( I did 4) of powdered sugar very slowly until well blended and at your desired thickness. Using either a spatula or a piping tip and bag, slather on generous portions of frosting and top with a light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!!
By the way, you may have about a cup of frosting left over, so be prepared to enjoy it with fruit, graham crackers or any other way you may like. Now I am going to pack these treats up for the neighbors and Sunday potluck so that I don't have to be tempted to eat more than one.
