Pumpkin season is here, and what better way to celebrate it than with these irresistible Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes? These spiced cupcakes, filled with a creamy surprise and topped with a rich frosting, are a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. Whether for a fall gathering, Halloween celebration, or Thanksgiving dessert, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love These Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
These Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes are the ultimate fall treat. With a tender, spiced pumpkin base, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a fluffy frosting, each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The best part? They’re simple to make and perfect for any seasonal celebration.
Ingredients for the Pumpkin Cupcakes
To make the perfect Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Here’s what goes into the pumpkin cupcakes:
For the Pumpkin Cupcakes:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and texture for the cupcakes.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: These warm spices add the signature autumn flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the cupcakes a rich, moist texture.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Balances sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The key ingredient for that perfect pumpkin flavor and moist texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the batter.
For the Cream Filling:
- Cream cheese: Provides the smooth and tangy filling that surprises the eater inside the cupcake.
- Unsalted butter: Helps create a creamy consistency.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and gives the filling its smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a comforting, familiar flavor.
For the Frosting:
- Cream cheese: A must for the tangy, creamy frosting.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps it hold its shape.
- Vanilla extract: A flavor booster.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds an extra touch of fall flavor to the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
Follow these steps to bake the Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes that will wow your guests:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to make sure your cupcakes come out easily. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully combined. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix. - Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Cream Filling
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and well-combined. - Fill the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small section from the center of each cupcake. Fill the hole with the cream filling using a piping bag or small spoon. Replace the top part of the removed cupcake over the filling to cover it. - Make the Frosting
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon, if desired. - Frost the Cupcakes
Generously frost the filled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting. Use a piping bag for a decorative look, or simply spread the frosting with a knife. - Serve
These Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes are best served at room temperature. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Cool the cupcakes completely before filling: To ensure the cream filling doesn’t melt, let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to fill and frost them.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes are delicious on their own, but here are some fun pairing ideas:
- Serve with a warm beverage: Pair your cupcakes with a cup of spiced chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience.
- Add a drizzle of caramel: For a decadent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes.
- Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes are an absolute must-try this fall. Their combination of warm spices, pumpkin flavor, and creamy filling is sure to win over anyone who tries them. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, these cupcakes deliver both flavor and fun. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re a treat your friends and family will rave about. So, preheat that oven and get baking – these cupcakes are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Simply roast or boil a pumpkin, then puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Fresh pumpkin adds a slightly different texture and flavor but will work just as well in these Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes.
2. How can I store cream-filled pumpkin cupcakes?
To keep your Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these cupcakes gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the other ingredients for any gluten-containing additives, especially in the frosting and cream filling.
4. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes. To freeze, store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for the best results. The frosting may soften, so it’s best to add frosting once thawed, if possible.
More Relevant Recipes
- Whipped Pumpkin Dip – Easy Creamy Fall Snack: This creamy, spiced pumpkin dip is perfect for fall entertaining. It offers the same cozy pumpkin spice notes found in Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes, making it a great no-bake option for dessert tables or holiday gatherings.
- Zombie Brain Cupcakes – Halloween Treats: These spooky cupcakes share a filled-center concept similar to Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes but with a fun Halloween twist. Great for themed parties and filled with delicious surprises inside.
- Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: Combining fall’s favorite fruits with a cinnamon streusel topping, these muffins echo the cozy, spiced vibe of pumpkin cupcakes and make an excellent breakfast or snack option during pumpkin season.

Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–15 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes are the ultimate fall dessert—soft, spiced pumpkin cupcakes with a rich cream cheese center and fluffy frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter into cupcake liners, filling each 2/3 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- To make filling: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy.
- Use a knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill with cream cheese filling and replace the cake tops.
- To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cinnamon (if using). Beat until fluffy.
- Frost cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter—this helps maintain a light texture.
- Cool cupcakes completely before filling or frosting.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg