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Pumpkin Spice Frosting

BY:

Rachel


Indulge in the season’s charm with homemade Pumpkin Spice Frosting that’s ready in 5 minutes! A perfect blend of tangy cream cheese frosting and warm fall spices.

As the leaves turn golden and the air chills, it’s time to spice up your desserts with our delectable Pumpkin Spice Frosting. Imagine the creamy tang of cream cheese blended with the cozy, aromatic warmth of pumpkin spice — a match made in autumn heaven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at seasonal treats, this frosting will transform your baked goods into festive delights.

Spoon standing straight up in a bowl of pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting

I will be sharing my favorite Pumpkin Bars recipe in the coming days that pairs so perfectly with this spiced cream cheese frosting. So stay tuned!

Pumpkin Spice Frosting

Unveil the secret to making your fall desserts even more irresistibly and warm with this Pumpkin Spice Frosting. Below you’ll find the essentials to whip up this, soon to be, favorite fall cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

  • Full-fat cream cheese
  • Salted butter
  • High-quality vanilla
  • Powdered sugar
  • Pumpkin spice
A bowl filled with frosting with cinnamon sticks around and a gold whisk in the upper left corner

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Frosting

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Frosting is like painting with the flavors of fall; it’s both an art and a joy. With these simple steps you will have a batch ready in 5 minutes or less:

Start with the Base:

Begin by placing your softened full-fat cream cheese and salted butter in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. These ingredients should be at room temperature to ensure your frosting is smooth and free of lumps.

Creaming the Fat:

Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until they’re well combined and creamy. This process aerates the fats, making for a light and fluffy frosting. It usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the warmth of your ingredients.

Infuse with Vanilla:

Once your base is smooth, add a generous half tablespoon of high-quality vanilla extract. The vanilla will enhance the warm spices of your frosting, elevating the flavor profile. Mix for another 15 to 30 seconds until the vanilla is fully incorporated.

Sift in the Sweetness and Spice:

In to the mixing bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and pumpkin spice. This not only breaks up any clumps but also ensures an even distribution of the pumpkin spice throughout the frosting.

Blend to Perfection:

Start on low speed to incorporate the sugar and spice without sending them airborne. Once they’re mostly integrated, increase the speed to medium and beat until the mixture is completely smooth but not over mixed. This should only take a minute or so.

Scrape Down the Sides:

Don’t forget to periodically scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula. This step is crucial to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed and that your frosting is uniform in texture and flavor.

Step by step photos on how to make Pumpkin Spiced Frosting

Adjust Consistency:

Check the consistency of your frosting. If you plan to spread it with a spatula, it should be ready to go — thick yet pliable. However, if you’re looking to pipe this frosting for more decorative desserts, you may want to thicken it slightly with cornstarch or more powdered sugar, as noted in the recipe card notes at the bottom of this post.

And there you have it: a Pumpkin Spice Frosting that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re slathering it on the BEST Maple Pumpkin Bars or on top these quick and easy Carrot Cake Cookies, this frosting will surely be the creamy delicious star on top.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frosting:

How do I thicken frosting?

Is your Pumpkin Spice Frosting too soft for your liking? Don’t fret! There are simple solutions to achieve the perfect consistency. Consider adding a bit of cornstarch for a sturdier structure without extra sweetness, or incorporate additional powdered sugar for a sweeter, firmer finish. Both will give your frosting the body it needs to hold up to your most elaborate piping designs.

What should I use pumpkin spice frosting with?

This Pumpkin Spice Frosting is a versatile companion to fall desserts. Spread it on Pumpkin Bars for an extra layer of decadence, swirl it atop fall-inspired cupcakes, or pair it with a moist pumpkin cake. It’s equally sublime on a classic spice cake, carrot cake, or dolloped on your favorite cookies. Let this frosting be the crowning glory of your fall baking adventures!

Pumpkin spice substitution

If you find yourself without any pre-mixed pumpkin spice, also known as pumpkin pie spice, there’s no need to worry. You can easily replicate the warm and cozy essence of this classic blend with a few common pantry spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice can be combined to create a homemade concoction that’s just as aromatic and flavorful as the store-bought version. A pinch of ground cloves can also add a depth of flavor, bringing you closer to that signature pumpkin spice taste.

If you’re interested in making your own blend, check out my homemade pumpkin spice recipe for a perfectly balanced mix that can be used in any recipe calling for pumpkin spice, ensuring you’ll never miss out on that quintessential fall flavor.

A close up shot of a spoonful of cream cheese pumpkin spice frosting

Frosting Storage: Refrigerating & Freezing

This Pumpkin Spice Frosting isn’t just delicious—it’s also forgiving when it comes to storage. At room temperature, it’ll keep perfectly for up to three hours. Like most frosting with fat in them, it is susceptible to melting in higher temperatures. If you’re not using it immediately, you can store it in the fridge for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick mix to restore its creamy texture.


More Fun Fall Recipes

Looking for more inspiration to celebrate the season? Here’s a collection of fall recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. We love these Pumpkin Bars topped with this Pumpkin Spice Frosting or Homemade Pumpkin Rolls!


Let’s Get Sweet & Spiced

Bring this easy, quick Pumpkin Spice Frosting to life in your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients, and let’s create something wonderfully creamy and unapologetically sweet. Follow the recipe card below and treat yourself to a little slice of fall bliss.

Pumpkin spice frosting in a glass bowl with cinnamon sticks and whole clove near it

Pumpkin Spice Frosting (Cream Cheese)

Yield: about 2 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

An easy homemade Pumpkin Spice Frosting ready in 5 minutes! A perfect blend of tangy cream cheese & warm fall spices.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1/2 Tablespoon high-quality vanilla
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, about 375g
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Instructions

  1. Begin by placing your softened full-fat cream cheese and salted butter in a large mixing bowl. These ingredients should be at room temperature to ensure your frosting is smooth and free of lumps.
  2. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until they’re well combined and creamy. This process aerates the fats, making for a light and fluffy frosting. It usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the warmth of your ingredients.
  3. Once your base is smooth, add a generous tablespoon of high-quality vanilla extract. The vanilla will enhance the warm spices of your frosting, elevating the flavor profile to new heights. Mix for another 15 to 30 seconds until the vanilla is fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and pumpkin spice. This not only breaks up any clumps but also ensures an even distribution of the pumpkin spice throughout the frosting.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture. Start on low speed to incorporate the sugar and spice without sending them airborne. Once they’re mostly integrated, increase the speed to medium and beat until the mixture is completely smooth and has a light, spreadable consistency.
  6. Don’t forget to periodically scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula. This step is crucial to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed and that your frosting is uniform in texture and flavor.

Notes

Adjust Consistency: Check the consistency of your frosting. If you plan to spread it with a knife, it should be ready to go — thick yet pliable. However, if you're looking to pipe this frosting for more decorative desserts, you may want to thicken it slightly with cornstarch or more powdered sugar. Consider adding 1/4 cup cornstarch to thicken or up to 1 cup additional powdered sugar. Be aware that adding additional sugar will sweeten the frosting.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 155Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 1g

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