Light Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

How can low fat, low calorie taste so good?! This recipe was on MSN last week and I could not resist. Pumpkin in any form fits in perfect with Fall and Thanksgiving. These cupcakes, along with being light, are moist and flavorful. I was very surprised when I tried the first one. Everyone in the family had one or two then I sent the rest to work with my husband, where they got rave reviews.

You've got to try these!

Light Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Cupcakes:

2 1/2 cake flour, not self rising

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup light corn-oil spread, trans fat free (I used Smart Balance canola oil instead)

1 can (15 ounce) pure pumpkin, not mix

2/3 cup egg beaters (I used 1 container plus 1 regular egg to equal 2/3 cup)

1/2 cup low fat or fat free milk

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

2 cups confectioners sugar

3/4 cup light cream cheese

2 Tablespoons butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup chopped pecans, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven 350 degrees and line 24 cupcake cups with paper liners.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and powder, cinnamon, all spice, ginger, and salt. In a large bowl, beat brown sugar and spread/oil at low speed for about 2 minutes, scraping bowl often.

Increase mixer speed to medium and beat in pumpkin, egg substitute, milk and vanilla. Reduce mixer to low speed and add flour mixture until just blended.

Spoon batter into lined cupcake cups, filling about half way. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove cupcakes and let cool on rack.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Mix at low speed until blended then increase speed to medium and mix 2 minutes.

Spread icing on cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with pecans, if desired.

Makes about 24 very yummy cupcakes.

"I've learned there are three things you don't discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin."

-Linus, The Great Pumpkin