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Easy Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe

A creamy American buttercream made with butter, powdered sugar, pure pumpkin purée, vanilla, and pumpkin-pie spices. This soft, warmly spiced frosting is perfect for cupcakes, layer cakes, cookies, and fall desserts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups (480 g) Powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) Canned pure pumpkin purée
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Pumpkin-pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine salt
Optional Adjustment
  • 1-2 tablespoons Heavy cream or milk, only if needed for consistency

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes, until it is pale, smooth, and fluffy.
  2. Add the sifted powdered sugar gradually, beginning on low speed to prevent it from scattering. Increase the mixer to medium speed and beat until the sugar is incorporated.
  3. Add the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, pumpkin-pie spice, and fine salt to the butter mixture.
  4. Beat for 2–3 minutes more, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed, until the frosting is smooth and evenly combined.
  5. If the frosting is too thick, beat in heavy cream or milk 1 teaspoon at a time. If it is too soft, add additional powdered sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  6. Use the frosting immediately, or refrigerate it until firm. Let refrigerated frosting soften slightly and re-whip it before spreading or piping.

Notes

Use plain canned pumpkin purée, not pumpkin-pie filling. For firmer piping, reduce the pumpkin purée to 1/3 cup (80 g), or chill the finished frosting for 20–30 minutes before piping. For stronger autumn flavor, add up to 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or a small pinch of ground cloves, but avoid adding too much spice because the flavor intensifies as the frosting rests.