Baked Goods/ Dessert

{Gluten Free} Pumpkin Spice Cake & Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing

Fall inspired Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing on top of Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing

My Grandpa’s Farm Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix was included in my American Gluten Free Box. I was not compensate monetarily for this post. All opinions and ideas are my own.

American Gluten Free ReviewTaste of Fall

I was so excited when I received this month’s American Gluten Free Box and saw  the Fall Inspired products.  Of course I ate through all the snacks in the box pretty quickly. The Cinnamon Apples and Pecans almost didn’t make it into the picture! My Grandpa’s Gluten Free Farm’s Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix was also included. I am usually not one for cake mixes, but it is finally starting to feel like fall (we went down to 80 degrees!) and I was craving pumpkin. I don’t know what it is about September, but it brings out the Pumpkin Spice cravings in everyone.

 

Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing

Pumpkin Spice Cake

I honestly didn’t have high hopes for the cake. I haven’t had very many gluten free cakes (except my own Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cupcakes!) that tasted very good. However, I do like cream cheese icing and any excuse to make it is fine by me.

Nothing says fall like Pumpkin Spice Cake and Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing! Click To Tweet

My Grandfather’s Farm Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix is one of the best things I have ever put in my mouth. It is like eating pumpkin pie in a cake. I would place money on no one figuring out that it was gluten free. In fact, I am taking them to my MOP’s Coffee Chat tomorrow night and I’m not going to tell them. They are so delicious and moist. Not one shred of graininess. I even stopped what I was doing and took one to my husband at work. They are that good. Of course, a cupcake this good deserves more than just your typical cream cheese icing. The pumpkin spice cupcakes were a tad on the sweet side. I wanted to add an icing that would give a bit of a bite.

Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing

Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing

It hit me like a lighting bolt. Bourbon. Maple. Fall. I have no idea why Bourbon reminds me a fall, but it does. I stopped what I was doing and made a quick trip to the liquor store. The cashier thought I was bit nuts at first, but once he understood what I was doing, he asked if I needed any taste testers.

This Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing tastes like a dream. It has just the right amount of bite to take these cupcakes to the next level.

When I make cream cheese icing, I do not add nearly as much powdered sugar as most recipes call for. 4 cups of powdered sugar is just a bit insane. I usually only use about a 1 and 1/4 cups, but for this recipe I replaced the quarter cup with maple syrup which pairs nicely with the Bourbon.

Just a quick note

Before I start getting hate mail about whether or not Bourbon is gluten free, it is a distilled liquor. Distilled liquors are inherently gluten free, however the problem comes when liquor makers sometimes add things to it after it is finished. The Bourbon I used for this is Maker’s Mark, they do not add anything back and it is distilled twice.

If you are uncomfortable with it that is ok. Feel free to leave it out. It will still be delicious. There is also a 100% corn-based Bourbon that I have not tried, but it may be an option for some:

Hudson Baby Bourbon

 For more information about gluten free liquor, please see Jules Shephard’s article. She is an expert in all things gluten free!

Gluten Free Alcohol

If you are interested in trying out new gluten free products each month, American Gluten Free offers hand-picked, themed boxes delivered straight to your door. Use the code below to receive 50% off your first month!

first-boxamerican-gluten-free-1

Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

{Gluten Free} Pumpkin Spice Cake & Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

  • 18 Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes I love My Grandfather's Farm Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix!

Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing

  • 8 ounce package softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon

Instructions

  • Beat together all icing ingredients until smooth.
  • Spread on cupcakes.

Notes

If you are making these and their are children who will want to eat one. Beat together all the ingredients except the Bourbon, take out some of the icing for them, and then add the Bourbon for the adults.

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48 Comments

  • Reply
    Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer {Gluten Free}
    October 8, 2019 at 8:44 pm

    […] Nothing says fall like sipping a cup of coffee outside in the crisp, cool air. There is just something about it that is so peaceful. Unfortunately, I don’t get to experience that very often. It stays fairly warm around Miami most of the year, but the heat does not keep us from enjoying the Fall season, especially when it comes to all things Pumpkin Spice! I’ve already made two pumpkin spice recipes this fall – Pumpkin Spice Mousse and Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing! […]

  • Reply
    Sarah
    October 20, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    You had me at pumpkin and bourbon! <3

  • Reply
    Megan
    September 29, 2016 at 10:36 pm

    Love that you kicked up a box mix with a special frosting–great idea!

  • Reply
    Lokness @ The Missing Lokness
    September 21, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    LOVE that icing! Boozy icing is a total winner! I will have to give that a try. 😀

  • Reply
    Tiffany @ Arrows + Awe
    September 21, 2016 at 7:10 am

    These seriously look too good to eat!

  • Reply
    Melissa
    September 20, 2016 at 6:00 pm

    This sounds delicious. I love finding amazing gluten free recipes. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply
    Rachel Lynn
    September 20, 2016 at 4:40 pm

    I’ve had really good luck with gluten free things in the past. They’re actually surprisingly delicious! These cupcakes looks so yummy! I’m such a sucker for cream cheese icing, too, hahah

  • Reply
    Amanda
    September 20, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    These look so yummy!

  • Reply
    sue | theviewfromgreatisland
    September 20, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Be still my heart — I want one now, with my morning cup of coffee!!

  • Reply
    Miri
    September 20, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Ta-dow! These look yummy truly.

  • Reply
    Jagruti
    September 20, 2016 at 10:15 am

    OH wow..these cupcakes looks so adoring ..feel like grabbing one !

  • Reply
    Karen S Burns-Booth
    September 20, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Such sweet little cakes and they look so pretty in their little paper case tu-tus! I also love vanilla, so these would be a huge hit with me!

  • Reply
    Jen | Baked by an Introvert
    September 20, 2016 at 10:10 am

    This icing sounds insanely delicious! I love the maple bourbon flavors!

  • Reply
    Helen | Fuss Free Flavours
    September 20, 2016 at 10:05 am

    I’ve been looking for a good gluten free pumpkin cupcake recipe for a friend who has celiacs. I can’t wait to try this one and share it with her!

  • Reply
    Amber
    September 20, 2016 at 8:03 am

    OMG this looks and sounds amazing. I love anything pumpkin. I can not wait to try this, like ASAP.

    Xoxo

  • Reply
    candy
    September 20, 2016 at 8:03 am

    Love all things pumpkin and these cupcakes looks and sound yummy.

  • Reply
    Lauren
    September 19, 2016 at 7:45 am

    Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese???! Count me IN

  • Reply
    jules
    September 16, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    You had me at pumpkin. And spice. And bourbon. oh, and Maple. Ok ok, you have me!!!!!
    Thanks for the link back on the gluten free alcohols article. It’s always good to share the facts!
    ~jules

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you for being such a reliable source of gluten free information! Enjoy!

  • Reply
    Anna Mullikin Freeman
    September 16, 2016 at 11:43 am

    These look delicious & so cute! Can’t wait to try them. 🙂

  • Reply
    Stacey
    September 16, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Oh deary me, those are rather tempting! Looks gorgeous 🙂

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Thank you!

  • Reply
    Brittiny Adams
    September 16, 2016 at 12:27 am

    Yum! Looks more than amazing!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      Thank you!

  • Reply
    Heidy L. McCallum
    September 15, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    Pumpkin Spice Cake & Maple Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing look like a bit of heaven and to be honest I am so happy to hear that bourbon does not contain Gluten as I wanted to make my steak bites for a friend and was afraid to do so fearing I might gluten them…Thanks for sharing this gluten-free recipe and making me feel better about using the bourbon in my recipes for them!!!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:37 pm

      Glad to dispel the Bourbon myth! I need your steak bites recipe!

  • Reply
    Elle @ Only Taste Matters
    September 15, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    What a great combination! I am so inspired! Pinned!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:41 pm

      Awesome! I hope you enjoy them!

  • Reply
    Immaculate
    September 15, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    These cupcakes are so Cute . Just in time for halloween . Going on my short list.

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      Be sure to tag me in a pic if you make them!

  • Reply
    Lisa | Garlic & Zest
    September 15, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    That maple bourbon cream cheese frosting sounds divine! Sign me up!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:47 pm

      It’s a great combo!

  • Reply
    Platter Talk
    September 15, 2016 at 5:47 pm

    Bourbon and maple with pumpkin in cupcakes. Great fall idea because bourbon and maple syrup go SO well together, they make the pumpkin flavor POP! Thanks for the updated cupcake. : )

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      They do bring out the pumpkin flavor!

  • Reply
    Melissa
    September 15, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    That icing sounds INSANELY delicious!!! Gonna have to whip up a batch and give it a try!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      You can just eat it with a spoon!

  • Reply
    Alicia
    September 15, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    Mmmm, I am now really ready for pumpkin spice fall recipes. I will have to try making these! 🙂

  • Reply
    Cricket Plunkett
    September 15, 2016 at 10:33 am

    Those sprinkle colors are perfect for fall! And this frosting sounds amazing, I wouldn’t even need the cupcakes I’d eat that with a spoon!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      I love sprinkles! They are so pretty!

  • Reply
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    September 15, 2016 at 2:33 am

    A perfect sweet treat fit for Fall 🙂

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:55 pm

      Yes, they are!

  • Reply
    Megan | Allergy Free Alaska
    September 14, 2016 at 10:42 pm

    Holy wow, these sound amazing!! I’ll take a dozen, please and thank you!!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      They were so good!

  • Reply
    Alisa Fleming
    September 14, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    What a wonderful flavor pairing! I’m all about frosting and love how you put together such grown-up and indulgent flavors.

    • Reply
      Amanda
      September 16, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      Thank you! I’m sure it would work well with dairy free cream cheese as well!

  • Reply
    Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
    September 14, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    Can I lick the frosting off *raises hand*. These look scrumptious.

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