Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations. These moist and flavorful treats, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, bring the warm, comforting spices of autumn right to your kitchen. With every bite, you’ll experience the delightful combination of pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, making these cupcakes a must-have for the season!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
There are countless reasons to adore these Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes. Firstly, they’re incredibly moist thanks to the pumpkin puree, which not only adds flavor but also provides essential nutrients. Secondly, the aromatic blend of spices—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that embodies the essence of fall. Additionally, these cupcakes are versatile; you can easily transform them into pumpkin spice muffins or a layered pumpkin spice cake for special occasions. They are perfect for both casual family gatherings and festive celebrations. Plus, with a simple pumpkin spice cupcake recipe, you can whip them up in no time!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the buttermilk and mix until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
- Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Step 7: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Step 8: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Step 10: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Step 11: Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 12: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Keep these in mind:
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months without frosting.
- For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter!
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
These delicious cupcakes are best enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving them with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the pumpkin spice frosting for cupcakes. They also make an excellent treat for fall flavored cupcakes at your next gathering or holiday party.
How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
To keep your Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze them, you can do so without frosting for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
What’s the secret to perfect Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes?
The secret lies in using quality ingredients and not overmixing the batter. This ensures your cupcakes remain light and fluffy, giving you the best pumpkin spice cupcakes possible.
Can I make Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes?
To avoid common pitfalls, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and always check that your baking soda is fresh. These tips will help you create the best spiced pumpkin cupcakes recipe ever!
Variations of Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes You Can Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying variations like vegan pumpkin spice cupcakes or gluten-free pumpkin spice cupcakes using alternative flours. For a fun twist, you could also create mini pumpkin spice cupcakes using a mini cupcake pan, or even experiment with a pumpkin spice latte cupcake recipe by adding coffee flavor to your batter!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast!
Learn more about the health benefits of pumpkin in this Healthline article.
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Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: 10 Irresistible Fall Delights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and flavorful pumpkin spice cupcakes topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gradually add the buttermilk and mix until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months without frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes, Fall Desserts, Cream Cheese Frosting









