Name: Pumpkin Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g); ½ cup granulated sugar (100g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 can pureed pumpkin (425g/15-ounce); 1 cup vegetable oil (240mL); 1 cup packed light brown sugar (220g); 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened (151g); 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (225g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (480g)

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the cozy flavors of fall, and these Pumpkin Cupcakes bring all the warmth and sweetness of the season into one perfect bite. With a rich, spiced pumpkin base and a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, preparing for Thanksgiving, or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, these cupcakes are the ideal balance of soft, moist texture and bold flavor.

The pureed pumpkin keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist, while the combination of cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice creates a comforting, aromatic flavor that’s synonymous with fall. Topping them off with a decadent cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm spiced cake. These Pumpkin Cupcakes are easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to impress everyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Fall: These cupcakes have the quintessential fall flavor with the perfect blend of spices and pumpkin.

Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and oil, these cupcakes stay moist for days without being overly greasy.
Simple and Quick: With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are easy to make.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy, creamy frosting adds a deliciously smooth finish to the spiced cupcakes.

Versatile for Occasions: Whether for a casual dessert or a special celebration, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cupcakes

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar

Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Pumpkin pie spice
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon

Pureed pumpkin
Vegetable oil
Light brown sugar

Large eggs
Vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Unsalted butter (softened)

Cream cheese (room temperature)
Vanilla extract
Salt

Powdered sugar (sifted)

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist on the classic flavor.
Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the cupcake batter for added texture and flavor.

Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a non-dairy butter substitute and cream cheese for the frosting.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pureed pumpkin, vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a knife or piping bag to frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure that the eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting.

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the cupcakes are fully baked, test with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re done.
Decorate: For an extra touch, top the cupcakes with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts for a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve

Serve these cupcakes as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
Perfect for fall parties, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests.
Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating them to preserve freshness.

Freezing

These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled cupcakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cupcakes in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving.

2. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pureed pumpkin?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added spices and sweeteners, which could affect the texture and flavor.

3. How can I make these cupcakes spicier?

If you love extra spice, add more ground cinnamon, ginger, or even a pinch of ground cloves to the batter.

4. Can I make this recipe into a cake?

Yes, you can make this recipe as a cake by pouring the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

5. Can I use a different type of frosting?

If you don’t like cream cheese frosting, you can use buttercream frosting or even whipped cream for a lighter option.

6. Can I substitute the vegetable oil?

Yes, you can use a neutral oil like canola oil or melted coconut oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.

7. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free.

8. How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

9. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to these cupcakes?

Yes, you can add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolate-pumpkin combo.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cupcakes are the perfect fall treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the smoothness of cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes are easy to make, versatile, and will be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy fall dessert, these cupcakes deliver on both flavor and texture. Enjoy them with a warm drink or share them with friends and family to make the season even sweeter!