Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes

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It’s fall once again and I’m so happy! Even though it’s been undeniably warm here in Texas so far, I’ve still been putting on my boots and throwing on a scarf whenever I can manage. And even more exciting than the attire is the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and all the delicious food that comes with it! Turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce… and who can forget the best part of Thanksgiving – Pumpkin!

These pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes make an incredible dessert option for those who like something a little different from the traditional pumpkin pie. And better yet, you can eat them the day after Thanksgiving while you curl up to the much anticipated (for me, anyway) premier of the new Gilmore Girls mini series on Netflix!! Is everyone as excited as I am? So I’ll be ready with my sugary treats and junk food to celebrate with Lorelai and Rory. Enjoy!

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Pumpkin Dump Cake

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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love love love this time of year… time together with family, decorating for Christmas, watching “Elf” a million times – it is just the best. Now, don’t let the name of this recipe fool you, dump cakes are a brilliant invention where you essentially dump everything in the pan and bake. If you’ve never had a dump cake the name can be off-putting, but I promise you will love every bite. This cake is only slightly more complicated than a traditional dump cake in the fact you have to mix a few things to get the pumpkin base. It is, however, INCREDIBLE! The pumpkin with the yellow cake is scrumptious and the graham crackers, pecans and toffee create a buttery crunch on top! Serve it hot with some ice cream (I recommend cinnamon or buttered pecan flavors) and you will just melt.Pumpkin Dump Cake-1915

I serve this at all of my Thanksgivings I go to (and yes, there are many) and it is always the most popular dessert! I love pumpkin, but pumpkin pie is not my favorite. This Pumpkin Dump Cake is way better and a fun and easy twist on a traditional Thanksgiving dessert.

I hope you enjoy this time together with your friends and family as much as I do, make the most of the holidays and the magic of Christmas time!

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Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Cupcakes

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Okay, so I know I talk a lot about all the different desserts I love… but I have to say, these are by far the BEST dessert I have EVER made. The dark chocolate cupcake is super moist and filled with delicious salted caramel that just makes me want to drool. I am literally in love with this cupcake! If you don’t believe me, try it. I promise you won’t regret the decision.

I made these for a happy hour and people went nuts over them! I made them again for Halloween and I’m pretty sure I caught my husband eating 3 in one day (he refused to share the last one with me, too J). They are that good! I hope you enjoy them as much as I and my friends and family have, they are fabulous, decadent cupcakes!
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Heavenly Pumpkin Pecan Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

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I have been feeling inspired by the Fall to try out some new Pumpkin recipes. This recipe is originally inspired by my favorite Pumpkin Dump Cake (don’t worry, I’ll be posting that before Thanksgiving). It brings out all my favorite flavors – pumpkin, cinnamon, pecan, nutmeg. It’s tons of yummy goodness! And what better to top off a pumpkin cupcake than a cinnamon cream cheese frosting!

If you’re looking for something to ring in this beautiful Fall weather, this dessert should do the trick!

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Cotton Anniversary: Cotton Candy Cupcakes

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1454898_10102060996403720_2107784398_nTwo years ago today, I married my best friend and soulmate. We have so much fun together and I wouldn’t change a thing about our marriage. For those of you who are married, you are probably familiar with traditional anniversary gifts. The two year anniversary traditional gift is Cotton. Cotton was not the easiest thing to create a good guy gift, but I had a lot of fun coming up with it. So if you are looking for a good Cotton anniversary gift, I’m happy to share mine. His gift included: (1) a “LOVE” graphic with our wedding date and state we got married in (and live in) printed on cotton and framed (purchased on Etsy); (2) a really nice canvas and leather duffle bag; (3) his favorite cotton dry-fit Nike shirt; (4) some new running socks; and finally (5) cotton candy cupcakes to top off my ultimate Cotton gift! Obviously, I got a little carried away with the cotton theme… but I enjoy putting fun gift packages together.

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If you aren’t celebrating a Cotton anniversary soon, well these are also a great October treat to enjoy the Fair season! At least here in Texas, we make a pretty big deal out of our State Fair and our fair foods, and cotton candy is pretty much a staple fair food.

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Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Buttercream

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Who doesn’t love Oreos, right?! They are always my go-to indulgence as far as cookies go. A stack of Oreos and a cold glass of milk can make my whole day better! One of my favorite memories from college would be studying for exams with my best friend and eating a box of oreos while we crammed… clearly I’m a nerd since I look back fondly on studying, but it is so true. It was in those late nights that I felt like I learned so much, probably in part to the crazy sugar rush from all of those Oreos!

These cupcakes are light and delicious and, best of all, they have a whole Oreo in the bottom! Need I say more? It’s not an overly sweet cheesecake flavor, which goes really well with the Oreos both crushed and at the bottom (which also makes for a great surprise when you bite into them)! I paired the cupcake with a dark chocolate frosting, I love the combination of the rich dark chocolate and the light fluffy cheesecake.

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Dark Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Frosting

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It’s Fall y’all! That time of year for sweaters, boots and scarves (oh my)! Of course, in Texas it takes much longer to actually feel like Fall… but that doesn’t stop me from pulling out the Fall decor and, of course, starting to bake with all my favorite Fall flavors! So to kick off the Fall season, I introduce these fabulous Dark Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes with a Swiss Meringue Nutella Swirl Frosting (it’s a mouthful, I know). 🙂

I know I talk a lot about my love for various types of sweets, and Nutella is definitely no exception. On our first trip to Europe, my husband and I tried Nutella crepes in Paris, Nutella Gelato in Florence and again in Rome… I just couldn’t get enough! There is something irresistible about that creamy hazelnut-chocolate flavor, it’s just perfect for any dessert. Here’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy Nutella, in a cupcake! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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