Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes Spiced Pumpkin Heart Surprise

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the pumpkin purée and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
6. In a small bowl, beat together pumpkin purée, softened butter, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and creamy.
7. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
8. Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to make a well in the center of each cupcake. Fill the well with about 1 teaspoon of the pumpkin purée filling.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
12. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting (if using). Decorate as desired.