Pumpkin Cupcakes

These Pumpkin Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert for fall enthusiasts! Bursting with rich pumpkin flavor and topped with a decadent brown sugar cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these treats will surely impress. With their soft texture and delightful taste, they are a must-try for anyone who loves pumpkin desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a mouthwatering treat that captures the essence of autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these Pumpkin Cupcakes can be whipped up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because—these cupcakes fit any occasion beautifully.
• Creamy Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich touch that complements the cupcakes perfectly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cupcakes! These pumpkin delights are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cupcakes, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures your batter is mixed thoroughly, creating a smooth and fluffy cupcake texture.
• Muffin tin: A standard size muffin tin gives your cupcakes their perfect shape and helps them bake evenly.

Ingredients

These are the best Pumpkin Cupcakes! These cupcakes are full of fall flavor and are super easy to make. They have the softest pumpkin cupcake with the most tender crumb, that is topped with a smooth brown sugar cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for any pumpkin lover.

For the Cupcakes

• 170 g all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice (see notes below to make your own)
• 225 g dark brown sugar
• 280 g pumpkin purée (room temperature) (see FAQ on how to make it homemade)
• 75 g vegetable oil (room temperature)
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 200 g butter
• 15 g dark brown sugar
• 100 g full-fat cream cheese
• 345 g powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Pumpkin Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice. Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix dark brown sugar, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into each cupcake liner until about two-thirds full. This allows room for rising without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Allow cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Frosting

While cooling, beat together butter, dark brown sugar, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.

Step 10: Frost Cupcakes

Once cooled completely, frost each cupcake generously with the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag.

Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Cupcakes!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cupcakes

Serving pumpkin cupcakes can enhance their appeal and create a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative ways to present these delicious treats.

For a Festive Gathering

• Decorative Platter: Arrange the cupcakes on a colorful platter adorned with autumn leaves.
• Cupcake Stand: Use a tiered cupcake stand for an eye-catching display at parties.

With Coffee or Tea

• Coffee Pairing: Serve the cupcakes alongside a warm cup of spiced coffee for a comforting treat.
• Tea Selection: Offer them with chai or herbal tea to complement the pumpkin flavor.

As Party Favors

• Individual Wrapping: Wrap each cupcake in clear plastic with a festive ribbon for guests to take home.
• Custom Labels: Attach personalized labels with the date and event name for a special touch.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cupcakes

To make your pumpkin cupcakes truly exceptional, follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Purée: Fresh purée enhances flavor and moisture compared to canned versions.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for even mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture in your cupcakes.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Cool Properly Before Frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.
• Experiment with Toppings: Add nuts or chocolate chips on top of the frosting for extra flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cupcakes

While pumpkin cupcakes are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert table. Here are some great options.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm, spiced apple cider pairs perfectly with the flavors of pumpkin.
2. Caramel Dip and Slices: Serve sliced apples with caramel dip for a sweet contrast to the cupcakes.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese balances sweetness with creamy richness.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of pumpkin soup offers a savory counterpart that enhances the theme.
5. Chocolate Ganache Tart: A rich tart adds decadence and is sure to impress guests.
6. Maple Pecan Salad: This fresh salad brings crunch and complements the sweetness of the cupcakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Cupcakes, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or pumpkin purée can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Overmixing the batter: It’s important to mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to too much flour. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting is a key component of these cupcakes. Don’t skip this step; it adds rich flavor that complements the pumpkin nicely.
• Ignoring baking times: Ovens can vary, so be sure to check your cupcakes a minute or two before the recommended time. This will prevent them from overbaking and drying out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store Pumpkin Cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist.
• Frosted or unfrosted: Both types can be refrigerated, but unfrosted cupcakes are easier to store.

Freezing Pumpkin Cupcakes

• Duration: You can freeze Pumpkin Cupcakes for up to 3 months.
• Container: Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frosted cupcakes: For best results, freeze unfrosted cupcakes first and frost them after thawing.

Reheating Pumpkin Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the cupcake on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place one cupcake on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin purée instead of canned. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth for the best results in your Pumpkin Cupcakes.

How do I make homemade pumpkin spice?

Mix together equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice or cloves. This blend will give your Pumpkin Cupcakes that warm fall flavor!

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. The taste may slightly vary but should still be delicious!

How can I customize my Pumpkin Cupcakes?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit into the batter. Top with different frostings like maple or vanilla for a unique twist on classic Pumpkin Cupcakes.

What is the best way to store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage!

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cupcakes are not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile! With their soft texture and delightful brown sugar cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night in. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings! Whether you enjoy them fresh or save some for later, these cupcakes are sure to please any pumpkin lover. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Pumpkin Cupcakes

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 cupcakes 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Cupcakes, perfect for any autumn occasion. Each cupcake is a moist, tender treat infused with rich pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cupcakes will impress everyone at the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 170 g all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
• 225 g dark brown sugar
• 280 g pumpkin purée (room temperature)
• 75 g vegetable oil (room temperature)
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g butter (for frosting)
• 15 g dark brown sugar (for frosting)
• 100 g full-fat cream cheese (for frosting)
• 345 g powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
3. In another bowl, mix dark brown sugar, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full and bake for about 23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting with the cream cheese mixture made by beating together butter, brown sugar, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg