CREAM-FILLED PUMPKIN CUPCAKES

Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes image

Here's a charming use for pumpkin. Bursting with flavor and plenty of eye-catching appeal, these sweet and spicy filled cupcakes are bound to dazzle your family any time of the year. -Ali Johnson, Petersburg, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield about 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
3/4 cup canola oil
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
FILLING:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter, softened
2-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Whole cloves, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat sugar, oil, pumpkin and eggs until well blended. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually beat into pumpkin mixture until well blended., Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 18-22 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For filling, combine cornstarch and milk in a small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. , In a large bowl, cream shortening, butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla if desired. Gradually add cornstarch mixture, beating until smooth, 3-5 minutes., Using a sharp knife, cut a 1-in. circle 1 in. deep in the top of each cupcake. Carefully remove tops and set aside. Spoon or pipe filling into cupcakes. Replace tops. If desired, add a clove "pumpkin stem" to the tops.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397 calories, Fat 19g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 342mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (42g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.