Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Recipe (No Powdered Sugar)

What is Pumpkin Spice?

Pumpkin spice is a blend of warm spices commonly used in fall and holiday recipes, especially those with pumpkin. It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. You can customize this mix to suit your taste by adjusting the types of spices and their ratios. For example, add more cinnamon for a sweeter blend or increase the ginger for extra warmth. Experiment with different combinations to create your perfect pumpkin spice mix.

Other spices commonly found in pumpkin spice mixes include:

• Mace: Adds a sweet, warm flavor similar to nutmeg.
• Cardamom: Offers a complex flavor with hints of citrus and floral notes.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat that enhances the overall warmth of the blend.
• Allspice: Often used for its combined flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but sometimes included separately to intensify these notes.

You can mix and match these spices to create a pumpkin spice blend that suits your personal taste preferences.

What is Russian Buttercream?

Russian buttercream is a type of frosting made primarily with butter and sweetened condensed milk. It's known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor. Unlike traditional buttercream that uses powdered sugar, Russian buttercream relies on sweetened condensed milk for sweetness and structure. This makes it less sweet and more buttery, with a velvety consistency that's perfect for spreading and piping. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a popular choice for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.

Ingredients in Pumpkin Spice Buttercream

Spice Mix:

• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a sweet, woody flavor.
• Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Provides a nutty, slightly sweet taste with hints of clove.
• Cloves (¼ teaspoon): Offers a strong, sweet, and spicy flavor, adding depth.
• Ginger (¼ teaspoon): Adds a bit of heat and zesty, peppery flavor.
• Allspice (¼ teaspoon): Combines flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, enhancing the overall spiciness.

Pumpkin Spice Buttercream:

• Unsalted Butter (500g / 1.1 lbs): The base of the buttercream, providing a rich, creamy texture. Softened butter ensures smooth blending.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (395g / 14 oz): Adds sweetness and a creamy consistency without using powdered sugar.
• Pumpkin Puree (¾ cup / 190g): Contributes a subtle pumpkin flavor and creamy texture, complementing the spices and adding a natural sweetness.

These ingredients combine to create a rich, flavorful buttercream with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The spice mix can be adjusted to taste, allowing for customization.

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Buttercream

Spice Mix:

Combine Spices: In a small bowl, add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. These spices will create the signature pumpkin spice flavor.

Mix Well: Using a whisk, thoroughly blend the spices until they are well combined and uniform in color. Set this mix aside for later use in the buttercream.

Pumpkin Spice Buttercream:

Prepare Butter: Take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator ahead of time to soften. Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Softened butter ensures it blends smoothly and creates a creamy texture.

Whip Butter: Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Continue mixing until the butter becomes light, fluffy, and paler in color. This step incorporates air, making the buttercream smooth and creamy.

Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the bowl with the whipped butter. Mix on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes until the butter and condensed milk are fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy without any lumps.

Incorporate Pumpkin Puree and Spice Mix: Add the pumpkin puree and the prepared spice mix to the bowl. The pumpkin puree should be fresh or canned, depending on your preference.

Blend Thoroughly: Mix on medium speed for an additional 1-2 minutes. Ensure the pumpkin puree and spice mix are evenly distributed throughout the buttercream. The mixture should be smooth and have a consistent color.

Smooth Out Curdles (if needed): If the buttercream begins to look curdled or separated, don't worry. Keep mixing on medium speed. The mixture will come back together into a smooth consistency. This may take a few minutes of continuous mixing.

Final Prep Before Using:

Remove Air Bubbles: Using a silicone spatula, gently massage the buttercream for 1-2 minutes. This helps to knock out any large air bubbles that may have formed during mixing, ensuring a smoother texture for piping or spreading.

Ready to Use: Your pumpkin spice buttercream is now ready to use. It is perfect for layering and covering a 3-layer 7” cake or decorating up to 36 cupcakes with a swirl. For best results, use a piping bag fitted with a 1M piping tip for beautiful swirls.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, bring it to room temperature and mix again to restore its creamy texture.
• Freeze: The buttercream can also be frozen for up to two months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature and mix again until smooth.

By following these detailed steps, you'll achieve a perfectly smooth and flavorful pumpkin spice buttercream that's ideal for a variety of desserts.

Fay's Top Tips

Properly Soften Butter: Ensure the butter is fully softened before starting the recipe. Softened butter mixes more easily, creating a smooth, creamy texture. If the butter is too cold, it won't incorporate well with the other ingredients, potentially leading to a lumpy or curdled buttercream. You can soften butter quickly by cutting it into smaller pieces and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Refrigerate if Curdled: If the buttercream splits or curdles during mixing, place the bowl in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This will help firm up the butter. After chilling, mix again on medium speed until the buttercream comes back together into a smooth, cohesive mixture. This extra step can help re-emulsify the butter and condensed milk, ensuring a silky texture.

Serving Suggestions

These serving suggestions highlight the versatility of Pumpkin Spice Buttercream, making it an excellent addition to a variety of desserts and treats.

Cakes: Use this buttercream to layer and frost a 3-layer 7” cake. Its smooth texture makes it perfect for creating a clean, professional finish.

Cupcakes: Decorate up to 36 cupcakes with swirls using a piping bag and a 1M piping tip. The pumpkin spice flavor pairs wonderfully with vanilla cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, or pumpkin-flavored cupcakes. The number of cupcakes will depend on the size of your swirl.

Macarons: Use as a filling for macarons. The creamy buttercream adds a rich, flavorful contrast to the delicate macaron shells.

Whoopie Pies: Sandwich the buttercream between two soft whoopie pie cookies for a delightful treat.

Cookie Sandwiches: Make cookie sandwiches by spreading a generous layer of buttercream between two of your favorite cookies, such as gingerbread or snickerdoodle.

Brownies: Spread a layer of buttercream over brownies for an extra layer of flavor. This works especially well with spiced or chocolate brownies.

Muffins: Add a dollop of buttercream on top of muffins for a sweet and creamy finish. It pairs especially well with pumpkin or apple muffins.

More Buttercream and Frosting Recipes

• Peanut Butter Buttercream
• Mango and Chocolate Condensed Milk Buttercream
• Gelato Buttercream

More Pumpkin Spice Desserts - Video Tutorials

• Pumpkin Spice Mini Cheesecakes
• Pumpkin Spice Custard Pots with Maple Infused Cream
• Pumpkin Spice Syrup