Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

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Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are the fall dessert that feels like a warm hug. Soft, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting, they hit every seasonal craving. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just need a break from heavy desserts, these cupcakes deliver cozy flavor in every bite.

They’re soft without being too dense, sweet without going overboard, and perfectly spiced. You get hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove—all the aromas that define autumn. Pair that with a swirl of luscious cream cheese frosting, and you’ve got a bakery-style dessert made in your own kitchen.

These cupcakes are a must-bake for everything from Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dessert tables. They’re festive, fun to make, and a guaranteed crowd favorite.

One of the best things? They’re easy. No electric mixer required if you don’t have one. A couple of bowls and a whisk will do the trick. You don’t need fancy skills—just simple ingredients and a few minutes to mix, scoop, and bake.

Plus, they’re incredibly moist. Thanks to pumpkin puree, they stay soft for days. The flavor deepens overnight, making them a great make-ahead treat. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll still taste bakery-fresh on day three.

Customization is also easy. You can dress them up with chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel. But even plain, they’re irresistible.

If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, swap in whipped buttercream or even cinnamon glaze. But if you want the classic combo, tangy cream cheese cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

And let’s talk about the scent as they bake. Your kitchen will smell like cinnamon-sugar heaven. It’s a sensory invitation that pulls everyone in before they even take a bite.

Presentation-wise, these cupcakes are as cute as they are tasty. A simple swirl of frosting and a sprinkle of spice is all they need to shine. Pop them in a decorative liner, and you’re instantly party-ready.

They’re also ideal for gifting. Pack them in a box or wrap individually—people love a homemade treat, especially one that smells and tastes like fall.

This recipe is reliable and repeatable. It works every time. No dry cupcakes, no collapsed centers. Just fluffy, flavorful results.

So when the leaves start turning, and the sweater weather hits, this is your go-to cupcake. It’s classic, cozy, and totally worth the bake.

Servings

Makes 12 cupcakes

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cool Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In another bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, oil, pumpkin, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
8. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
9. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy.
10. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps cupcakes light.
• Use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting.
• Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are cozy, quick, and full of seasonal flavor. Moist cake, creamy frosting, and warm spices make them the ultimate autumn bake.

These Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are the definition of fall baking: soft, spiced, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and even easier to love.