Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy & Delicious

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat, offering a perfect blend of spice and sweetness. These moist, flavorful cupcakes, topped with a rich, creamy frosting, are the ideal dessert to enjoy during autumn or at any seasonal celebration. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe guarantees a delicious batch of cupcakes that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

These Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are a true celebration of fall flavors. They combine the comforting spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a spiced treat that’s perfect for cozy moments. The addition of pumpkin puree ensures they stay moist and tender. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holiday parties, or any occasion when you want to indulge in a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cupcakes and gives them a soft texture.
• Baking powder & Baking soda – These leavening agents help the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, aromatic spice flavor.
• Ground ginger – A subtle heat that complements the cinnamon in the spice mix.
• Ground nutmeg – Offers a cozy, sweet-spicy flavor, enhancing the autumn vibe.
• Ground cloves – A strong spice that pairs beautifully with the other fall spices.

• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a moist texture.
• Brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cupcakes.
• Vegetable oil – Ensures the cupcakes stay moist and tender.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and help provide structure.
• Pumpkin puree – The star ingredient! It adds moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor.
• Milk – Helps the batter come together and creates a smooth, pourable consistency.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese – The base of the frosting, adding a creamy texture and slight tanginess.
• Unsalted butter – Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and contributes to a smooth texture.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it the right consistency for spreading.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the frosting.
• Salt – Enhances the sweetness of the frosting and balances the flavors.

Optional Garnish:

• Ground cinnamon – Dust on top for extra spice and visual appeal.
• Candy pumpkins – A fun and festive garnish for an extra autumn touch.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for some variations to fit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some ideas:

• Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, or gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free alternative.
• Sugar: Swap the granulated and brown sugars for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
• Oil: You can replace vegetable oil with coconut oil for added flavor and richness.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter to make the frosting dairy-free while keeping the taste delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This will be your dry mix.

In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.

2. Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and salt, then increase the speed and beat the frosting on medium-high until it is light and fluffy.

4. Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one with the cream cheese frosting. For an extra touch, dust each cupcake lightly with ground cinnamon and top with a candy pumpkin for decoration.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
• Check Cupcake Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean when they are done.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai, apple cider, or even coffee. For an added twist, you could turn these cupcakes into mini cakes or use a piping bag for more intricate frosting designs.

If you’re looking for a variation, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch, or drizzle a caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes for an indulgent touch.

Seasonal Touch

These Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are ideal for any autumn celebration, from Halloween parties to Thanksgiving gatherings. Their warm, comforting flavors make them a standout dessert for fall. They are also great for baking with kids as they can help with frosting and garnishing the cupcakes with cinnamon and candy pumpkins.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for autumn lovers. Their rich, spiced flavor, coupled with the creamy, tangy frosting, makes them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a family get-together, a holiday feast, or simply craving a comforting fall dessert, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, they’re a fun and rewarding recipe that everyone will enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and indulge in the perfect autumn treat!

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Banana Bread: This Pumpkin Banana Bread is a delicious combination of moist banana bread and the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin. Perfect for fall, it’s a great alternative for those who love pumpkin-based baked goods but want something a bit different from cupcakes.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice and love snickerdoodle cookies, this recipe is for you! These soft, chewy cookies combine the warmth of cinnamon with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin, making them a cozy treat for autumn.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a rich and creamy dessert with a perfect balance of spiced pumpkin and creamy cheesecake filling. Ideal for those who love the flavors of pumpkin pie but prefer a more decadent and easy-to-serve option.

Print