Pumpkin Mousse Cupcakes
adapted from: Jamie Cooks It Up
Cupcakes:
1 spice cake mix
1 (3.4 oz) box pumpkin spice instant pudding
1/3 c. flour
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. sour cream
1 1/2 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
Filling:
1 (3.4 oz) box pumpkin spice instant pudding
1 3/4 c. half and half
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
2 tsp. vanilla
dash of salt
4 c. powdered sugar
2-3 Tbl. milk
For the cupcakes: In a large bowl, add the cake mix, pudding mix and flour; stir together to combine. Add the oil, sour cream, water, vanilla and eggs. Mix on low speed for 1 minute. Then, mix on medium speed until smooth and silky, about 3 minutes. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes (mine took 19-20 minutes). Cool completely.
For the mousse filling: Whip together ingredients until thick, about 3 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut a small circle out of the top of each cupcake. Spoon filling in each hole.
For the cream cheese frosting: Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until light and fluffy. Add enough milk to reach desired piping consistency. Pipe onto each cupcake.