Apples and pumpkins make the perfect fall desserts. This creamy pumpkin cupcakes recipe and Philly apple crumble recipe are two easy, delicious options to enjoy this season.
Creamy Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe and Philly Apple Crumble
I have a confession: I collect recipes. For years I’ve been clipping and saving anything that looks tempting. If I find a recipe I like, I’ll write it down or tear it out of a magazine, convinced I’ll make it someday. My habit is partly justified because I love sharing finds with readers—so I clip guilt-free.
Here are two recent favorites I’ve added to my collection. I’m sharing them in case you’d like to try them this season. They’re especially timely when cream cheese is on sale, and both would be lovely for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Tip: If you use cream cheese often, consider stocking up. It keeps well refrigerated and can last a long time when stored properly.
The creamy pumpkin cupcakes are reminiscent of pumpkin roll flavors but much easier to prepare. You can add chopped nuts if you like, or keep them plain. Another option is to season some Cool Whip with cinnamon or nutmeg and top the cooled cupcakes, or simply dust them with powdered sugar. The same idea works for dressing up pumpkin or apple pies.
Creamy Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients:
1 package spice cake mix
1 (3.4 oz) package vanilla instant pudding mix
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
Directions:
Prepare the spice cake mix according to the package directions. Stir in the dry vanilla pudding mix and the canned pumpkin until well combined. Spoon the batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups. In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and egg until smooth. Drop a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each cupcake and gently swirl with a spoon. Bake at 350°F for 18–21 minutes, until set. Allow to cool before frosting.
Spiced Frosting
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 (3 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, mixing until fully combined and creamy. Spread on cooled pumpkin cupcakes.
Philly Apple Crumble Recipe
Ingredients:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
2 2/3 cups vanilla wafers, crushed
4 cups baking apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Gently combine the softened cream cheese with the crushed vanilla wafers—do not overmix; you want a crumbly topping. In a greased 1½-quart baking dish, toss the chopped apples with the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cream cheese–wafer mixture evenly over the apples. Bake 15–20 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Serve warm and refrigerate any leftovers.
Imagine enjoying these treats with a hot cup of coffee or tea on a snowy afternoon—shared with a friend or served when the kids come in from school. They fill the kitchen with cozy, inviting aromas. If you have a favorite fall recipe like these, consider sharing it with friends or trying it on a chilly afternoon.
—Jill (who admits she’s gaining weight just thinking about these)