A quick and simple recipe, made easy with a boxed cake mix. Garnish the top of the cupcakes with broken pieces of your favorite Halloween candy to make what I call a "Candy Bar Cupcake"!

• 1 package Yellow cake mix
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie spice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 eggs

Pumpkin Frosting:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 24 muffin cups with paper baking cups.

Combine the cupcake ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture at low speed for 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl twice during mixing.

Pour the batter into the muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and pumpkin until well blended. Gradually add 1 cup of the powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the milk and vanilla. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and beat for an additional 2 minutes. Spread or pipe on tops of cooled cupcakes.


Makes 24 Cupcakes