Butternut Squash Cupcakes

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups, grease bottoms and sides of muffin cups with shortening and lightly flour, or spray with baking spray with flour.
• 2

  In medium bowl, mix flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and salt; set aside.
• 3

  In large bowl, beat 1 cup butter with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add granulated sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in squash and 2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, alternately add flour mixture, about one-third at a time, and 1/2 cup milk, about half at a time, beating just until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup cranberries and the pecans.
• 4

  Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each with about 3 tablespoons batter or until about two-thirds full.
• 5

  Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans; place on cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 6

  In medium bowl, beat powdered sugar and 2/3 cup butter with electric mixer on low speed. Stir in 3 teaspoons vanilla, the rum and 3 tablespoons milk. Gradually beat in enough remaining milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make frosting smooth and spreadable. Frost cupcakes; garnish with chopped cranberries.