Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pumpkin cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall in a delightful handheld treat. These cupcakes combine the natural sweetness of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a moist, tender crumb that pairs beautifully with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering, preparing a dessert for family dinner, or simply craving a sweet autumn-inspired snack, pumpkin cupcakes never fail to impress. Their versatility makes them suitable for both casual and formal occasions, and they can be customized with different toppings such as caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Easy to prepare yet indulgent in taste, this recipe is a must-have for your seasonal baking collection.
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Delicious Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe | Desserts
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and fluffy pumpkin cupcakes packed with warm spices and topped with creamy frosting, making them the perfect fall-inspired dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and enjoy.
Notes
- Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for garnish.
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pumpkin puree
The star of the recipe, pumpkin puree adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that iconic fall flavor to the cupcakes. Using canned pumpkin ensures consistency, though homemade puree works just as well.
All-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure for the cupcakes, helping them rise and hold their shape without becoming too dense.
Granulated sugar
This ingredient balances the earthy flavor of pumpkin while giving the cupcakes a light sweetness.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar deepens the flavor profile with a subtle molasses undertone and also contributes to the cupcakes’ moist texture.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder, helping the batter hold together while adding richness and fluffiness to the final product.
Vegetable oil
Oil keeps the cupcakes tender and prevents them from drying out, ensuring they stay soft for days.
Baking powder and baking soda
These leavening agents help the batter rise, creating airy, fluffy cupcakes with just the right amount of lift.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
These spices bring warmth and depth, giving the cupcakes their signature fall-inspired flavor.
Salt
Salt enhances all the other flavors in the recipe, balancing sweetness and spice.
Vanilla extract
A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors, making the cupcakes taste more complex and aromatic.
Cream cheese
For the frosting, cream cheese adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin base.
Butter
Butter in the frosting creates a smooth, creamy texture that spreads easily over the cupcakes.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting while also helping it set to the perfect consistency.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices until well combined. In a separate large bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a fluffy consistency. Once the cupcakes are cooled, spread or pipe the frosting on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 standard-sized cupcakes. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, while baking requires 20 minutes. Allow an additional 30 minutes for cooling and frosting, making the total time about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. If you wish to prepare them in advance, unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Spiced maple frosting
Replace the traditional cream cheese frosting with a maple syrup–infused frosting for a sweeter, autumnal twist.
Nut topping
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle them over the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate swirl
Swirl in melted chocolate into the batter before baking for a richer dessert.
Mini cupcakes
Bake the batter in mini cupcake tins for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties and buffets.
Gluten-free version
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes suitable for everyone.
Vegan pumpkin cupcakes
Swap eggs with flaxseed eggs and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a vegan-friendly option.
Caramel drizzle
Top the frosted cupcakes with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Pumpkin spice overload
Increase the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a stronger spiced flavor that truly highlights fall.
Frosting alternatives
Try whipped cream, mascarpone frosting, or even a simple glaze if you prefer something lighter.
Filled cupcakes
Hollow out the centers and fill them with cream cheese filling or pumpkin butter for a surprise treat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just make sure it is well-pureed and not too watery.
Do I need to refrigerate pumpkin cupcakes?
Yes, especially once frosted, they should be stored in the refrigerator.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, cream cheese frosting can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You can use melted coconut oil or canola oil as a substitute.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I freeze pumpkin cupcakes?
Yes, unfrosted cupcakes freeze well for up to 2 months.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, but it may slightly affect the sweetness and texture.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cupcakes are a delightful seasonal dessert that balance sweetness with warm, spiced flavors. Easy to prepare and versatile in presentation, they can be enjoyed plain or enhanced with different frostings and toppings. Whether served at a holiday gathering, shared with friends, or made as a weekend baking project, these cupcakes capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
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