Description
These Moist Pumpkin Cupcakes are the perfect fall treat—soft, spiced, and topped with velvety cream cheese frosting. Made with real pumpkin puree and warm autumn spices, they deliver cozy flavor in every bite. Ideal for Thanksgiving, parties, or cozy evenings, these cupcakes are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–3.5 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional)
Optional Toppings:
Crushed graham crackers
Candied pecans
Edible sugar pumpkins
Cinnamon dust
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In another bowl, beat butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and pumpkin puree.
Combine: Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix.
Bake: Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.
Frost and Decorate: Use a piping bag for a swirl or spread with a spatula. Top with your favorite fall garnishes.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter and frosting.
Check spice freshness—older spices lose potency.
For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese.
Don’t overmix batter; mix just until flour disappears.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin cupcakes, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, spiced cupcakes, moist pumpkin recipe, Thanksgiving dessert, autumn baking