Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the essence of fall baking. Soft, moist, and full of warm spices, these cupcakes capture the flavor of pumpkin pie in handheld form. Topped with creamy, tangy frosting, they make the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy evening at home.
1. Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2. Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 20–22 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
3. Serving Quantity
- Makes 12 cupcakes
4. Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Batter: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla and gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Dust lightly with cinnamon if desired.
5. Nutrition (per cupcake)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 29 g
6. Tips for Best Results
- Use canned pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Make sure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or drizzle caramel sauce on top.
- Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting bring the flavors of fall to every bite—spiced, sweet, and irresistibly smooth.
