Pumpkin Spice Cupcake Delight

Highlighted under: FreshGlow Recipes

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delightful pumpkin spice cupcakes. Perfectly moist and topped with a creamy frosting, they're sure to be a hit!

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-03T01:58:29.652Z

These Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are a perfect blend of spices and pumpkin flavor that evoke memories of cozy autumn evenings. Whether for a family gathering or a festive celebration, they are sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Warm spices that evoke the essence of fall
  • Moist and fluffy texture in every bite
  • Delicious cream cheese frosting adds the perfect touch

The Essence of Fall in a Cupcake

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, nothing encapsulates the spirit of autumn quite like pumpkin spice. These cupcakes are infused with the warm and inviting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making them a seasonal favorite. With each bite, you'll be transported to a cozy fall day, complete with the comforting aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen.

Pumpkin puree not only contributes to the rich flavor of these cupcakes but also adds moisture, ensuring that each bite is soft and fluffy. This delightful combination of textures and tastes creates a blissful experience that is perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a holiday, hosting a birthday party, or just craving something sweet, these pumpkin spice cupcakes are versatile enough for any occasion. Their festive appearance, adorned with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon, makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.

These cupcakes also make a wonderful treat for guests or as a homemade gift. Packed in a decorative box or presented on a platter, they show thoughtfulness and care, making your loved ones feel special. Plus, they are easy to make, so you can whip up a batch without spending hours in the kitchen.

Frosting That Complements Perfectly

The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch to these pumpkin spice cupcakes. Its tangy sweetness balances the warm spices beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more. The addition of ground cinnamon in the frosting enhances the overall taste, making each bite a delightful experience.

Not only does this frosting taste amazing, but it’s also simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a smooth and creamy topping that elevates your cupcakes from good to extraordinary. Feel free to get creative with your frosting and add toppings like chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience.

Cupcake Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for delicious cupcakes!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, mixing until creamy.

Frost and Serve

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice cupcakes!

Storing Your Cupcakes

To keep your pumpkin spice cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance their flavor and texture.

If you have leftover frosting, it can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week as well. Just be sure to seal it in an airtight container. When you're ready to use it, give it a good stir to return it to a creamy consistency.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these pumpkin spice cupcakes to suit your taste! For a little added crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter. This not only adds texture but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes.

If you're looking for a healthier twist, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar substitute to reduce the sweetness. Experimenting with these variations can lead to delightful surprises and allow you to enjoy these cupcakes guilt-free!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe.

→ How should I store the cupcakes?

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcake Delight

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delightful pumpkin spice cupcakes. Perfectly moist and topped with a creamy frosting, they're sure to be a hit!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: FreshGlow Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

Cupcake Ingredients

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  4. 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  5. 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  8. 1 tsp baking powder
  9. 1/2 tsp baking soda
  10. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  11. 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  12. 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  13. 1/4 tsp salt

Frosting Ingredients

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  5. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 03

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.

Step 06

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

While the cupcakes cool, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, mixing until creamy.

Step 08

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g