Zen Cupcake

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3. In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.

Step 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula just until no streaks of flour remain; do not overmix.

Step 5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Step 6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Step 7. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until pale and fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.

Step 9. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon if desired.