Not everyone in my extended family likes pumpkin pie. I know, what’s with that? My brother-in-law prefers pecan pie to pumpkin. And then there’s one who wants only apple pie. So, what is the pie baker in the family to do?
Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
I’ve come up with a solution for this year. Skip the pies altogether and make some mini desserts. Who wants a slice of pie anyway, after a big meal? Since cupcakes are so hot, Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes (recipe below) will be the perfect Thanksgiving dessert for us this year.
For the kids in your family, make some Turkey Cupcakes too.
Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Cupcakes
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup water
Frosting
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups (1 lb) powdered sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons milk
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 68 mini muffin cups.
2. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, 1/2 cup butter, the molasses and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the allspice and water. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (2/3 full).
3. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, the lemon peel, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and the vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth. Beat in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until spreadable.
5. Pipe or spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cupcake. Store covered in refrigerator.
68 mini cupcakes