Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes 🎃 | Moist & Spiced Fall Dessert Recipe

The Perfect Fall Treat: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistibly Moist Pumpkin Cupcakes

There’s something magical about the aroma of pumpkin and warm spices filling the kitchen as autumn rolls in. These Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes are the ultimate fall dessert—fluffy, perfectly spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, prepping for Thanksgiving, or just craving a sweet seasonal treat, these cupcakes are a must-try.

Pumpkin isn’t just for pies! These cupcakes are a fun twist on the classic, offering all the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice in a handheld delight. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make, requiring just one bowl and basic ingredients. If you loved our Paleo Pumpkin Monkey Bread – Healthy Fall Dessert You’ll Love, you’ll adore these cupcakes—they’re like the portable, frosting-covered version of that beloved loaf!

Ready to bake? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that’s guaranteed to become a fall favorite.


What Are Pumpkin Cupcakes?

Ever wondered why pumpkin desserts are such a big deal when the leaves start to turn? Well, pumpkin cupcakes are like little bundles of autumn joy—soft, spiced, and packed with cozy flavor. Think of them as the lovechild of a pumpkin pie and a classic vanilla cupcake, but even better because they’re topped with a dreamy swirl of frosting.

Why “pumpkin” cupcakes? Because real pumpkin puree is the star here, giving them an ultra-moist texture and rich taste. And let’s be honest, anything with pumpkin in the name just screams comfort. As the old saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—but honestly, these cupcakes will win over anyone’s heart.

So, are you ready to bake the most irresistible pumpkin cupcakes this season? Let’s get started!


Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cupcakes

1. Moist & Flavorful Every Time – Thanks to real pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves), these cupcakes are incredibly tender and bursting with fall flavor.

2. Budget-Friendly & Easy to Make – Skip the bakery prices! These cupcakes cost just pennies per serving and come together in under 30 minutes.

3. Cream Cheese Frosting Takes Them Over the Top – A silky, tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect match for the spiced cupcakes, making them irresistible.

If you enjoyed our Spooky Bleeding Cupcakes Recipe – Easy Halloween Dessert Idea!, you’ll love how these pumpkin cupcakes bring the same warmth and sweetness—but with a seasonal twist.

Ready to bake? Let’s jump into the recipe!


How to Make Pumpkin Cupcakes

Quick Overview

These cupcakes are super simple—just mix dry and wet ingredients, bake, and frost! They take 25 minutes to bake and require no fancy techniques. The result? Light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced cupcakes every time.

Key Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Fold Together – Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined (don’t overmix!).

5. Bake – Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool & Frost – Let cupcakes cool completely before piping on cream cheese frosting.


What to Serve With Pumpkin Cupcakes

These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but why not make it a full fall feast? Pair them with a hot cup of Delicious Coffee Loophole Recipe​ for Daily Energy for the ultimate cozy dessert. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix – Fluffy Fall Breakfast in Minutes—sweet, spiced perfection!


Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Cupcakes

Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix—just stir until combined to keep them fluffy.
Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra warmth.


Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Unfrosted cupcakes last 5 days; frosted ones last 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.


People Also Ask: Pumpkin Cupcakes

What frosting goes best with pumpkin cupcakes?

Cream cheese frosting is the classic choice—its tangy sweetness balances the spiced pumpkin perfectly. For a lighter option, try whipped vanilla frosting.

Can you make pumpkin cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Bake them 1-2 days in advance and store unfrosted. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

How do you keep pumpkin cupcakes moist?

The key is using oil (not butter) and not overbaking. Pumpkin puree also adds natural moisture.

Are pumpkin cupcakes healthier than regular cupcakes?

They’re slightly healthier since pumpkin adds fiber and vitamins, but they’re still a treat! For a lighter version, try reducing sugar.


Final Thoughts

These Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes are the ultimate fall dessert—soft, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting. Whether for a party or a quiet night in, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Have you tried them? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our Best Desserts for more seasonal inspiration! Happy baking! 🎃🧁

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Pumpkin Cupcakes


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Moist and fluffy pumpkin cupcakes with warm spices, topped with creamy frosting – the perfect fall treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cream cheese frosting for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

These cupcakes taste even better the next day as the spices develop. Store in the fridge if frosted.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pumpkin cupcakes, fall dessert, pumpkin spice, cream cheese frosting