Name: Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: PT-489573H57M42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree; 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened; 4 Tbsp butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; Pinch kosher salt

If you’re craving something cozy and bursting with fall flavors, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these cupcakes come out—moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with the creamiest frosting that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want a sweet treat to cozy up with your favorite warm drink, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything you need to nail it every single time!

💙

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The pumpkin spice blend brings warmth without overpowering the natural pumpkin goodness.
Moist & Tender Texture: These cupcakes stay moist for days, thanks to the pumpkin puree and a careful mixing method.
Cream Cheese Frosting Magic: The frosting is just the right amount of sweet and tangy, making each bite irresistible.
Simple Yet Impressive: You’ll feel like a pro baker with this straightforward recipe that delivers bakery-level taste.

There are six cupcakes on a large white plate. Each cupcake has one layer of orange-colored cake at the bottom and a thick layer of creamy white frosting swirled on top, forming a small peak in the center. The cupcakes sit on a white marbled surface with soft natural light giving a warm feel. The focus is clear, showing the texture of the frosting and cake well, with a slight shadow cast around each cupcake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, fall dessert recipes, cozy pumpkin cupcakes, easy pumpkin spice cupcakes, holiday cupcake ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in building the flavor and texture you want for perfect pumpkin spice cupcakes. I like to shop for fresh spices for the best aroma and double-check that my cream cheese is room temperature before frosting for that silky smooth finish.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with warm brown packed brown sugar, another small white bowl containing fine granulated sugar, four whole large eggs with clean shells arranged neatly, a small white bowl holding softened pale yellow butter, a small white bowl of smooth bright orange pumpkin puree, a tiny white bowl with light brown pumpkin pie spice powder, a small white bowl with white powdered sugar, a small white bowl of ivory cream cheese block, and a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract liquid, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly symmetrical layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, fall dessert recipes, cozy pumpkin cupcakes, easy pumpkin spice cupcakes, holiday cupcake ideas

All-purpose flour: Gives structure, and using the right amount ensures cupcakes stay tender.
Pumpkin pie spice: This blend is essential—don’t skip or substitute lightly! It’s the soul of these cupcakes.
Kosher salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
Baking powder: Helps cupcakes rise beautifully.
Baking soda: Works with the acid in pumpkin to create a light crumb.
Butter (softened): For richness—make sure it’s softened, but not melted.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness without making things heavy.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add fluff.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm spices and pumpkin flavor.
Pumpkin puree (canned): Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling—this keeps the flavor clean and spiced by your blend.
Cream cheese (softened): For that dreamy frosting texture and tang.
Powdered sugar: Creates the perfect smooth frosting that’s not gritty.
Pinch kosher salt (for frosting): It brightens the cream cheese flavor and balances sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with these Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to make them your own! Swapping or adding a touch here and there can put a fun twist on a classic.

Nutty Upgrade: I added chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter once—and my family went crazy for the extra crunch.
Spice it Up: For a bolder cinnamon or ginger kick, increase the pumpkin pie spice slightly or add a pinch of ground cloves.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives works surprisingly well—just keep an eye on the texture.
Mini Cupcakes: Perfect for parties—just adjust baking time to about 15 minutes, watching closely.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line two muffin tins with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients well upfront means you’ll have an even distribution of flavor and rise in every cupcake—that little step makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars, Then Add Eggs and Pumpkin

In a large bowl, I like using my stand mixer with the paddle attachment, but a hand mixer works beautifully too. Beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The lightness here is key to making fluffy cupcakes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in the vanilla and pumpkin puree until everything’s totally combined. Your batter will start smelling like fall heaven right about now!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently

Now, add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined—don’t overdo it or your cupcakes might turn out dense. You want to stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any flour streaks. The batter should be thick, like a soft cake batter.

Step 4: Bake and Cool Your Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full — this helps them rise nicely without spilling over. Bake for around 23 minutes. I always recommend checking with a toothpick: if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re set. Let them cool completely before frosting — trust me, rushing this step will make your frosting slide off and that’s hard to fix once it happens!

Step 5: Make That Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

While cupcakes cool, whip up your frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy — patience here is key for a silky texture. Gradually add powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice, beating until lumps disappear. Finish with vanilla and just a pinch of kosher salt—this salt is the secret to making the frosting taste vibrant and balanced, not just sweet.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy!

Transfer your frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) and swirl a generous amount onto each cooled cupcake. The creamy frosting will hold its shape beautifully and adds that perfect tangy finish to the spicy cupcakes. I love how this frosting is rich but not overpoweringly sweet — the perfect partner for pumpkin!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter, eggs, and cream cheese warm up to room temp before mixing for smoother batter and frosting.
Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Overworking the batter can make cupcakes dense—stir just until flour disappears.
Check Oven Temperature: Ovens vary; use an oven thermometer to avoid overbaking, which dries cupcakes out.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frost cupcakes only when fully cool, or your frosting might melt right off.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but festive—sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans on top adds a lovely visual and a little crunch. For special occasions, I’ve even sprinkled some edible gold dust to make them sparkle, which makes serving these even more fun!

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a hot mug of chai tea or a classic latte to complement the warm spices. For gatherings, I sometimes serve them alongside whipped cream-topped coffee or a small plateau of fresh fruit like sliced apples and pears for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like displaying these cupcakes on a tiered cake stand decorated with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins. Wrapping each cupcake with a little ribbon or placing a cute cinnamon stick next to them adds charm and makes gift-giving extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They keep well for up to three days and still taste fantastic. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these cupcakes! I usually freeze them unfrosted—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost fresh. This way, your cupcakes stay moist and your frosting tastes fresh and creamy.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a leftover cupcake with frosting, I recommend removing the frosting first, warming the cupcake in the microwave for about 10 seconds, and then re-applying frosting or serving it alongside. This keeps the texture and flavor spot on without melting your beautiful frosting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree in this Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

You absolutely can! If using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook, roast, and puree it first, then drain any excess moisture. Fresh pumpkin sometimes has more water than canned, so it could affect the batter’s consistency. Adjust by adding a little extra flour if needed to keep the batter thick and smooth.
How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from being too runny?

The key is making sure your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted, and your powdered sugar is added gradually. Chilling the frosting a little before piping can help, especially if your kitchen is warm. Also, don’t add liquid ingredients beyond what the recipe calls for.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Because gluten-free flours vary, the texture might be slightly different, but the pumpkin spice flavor will still shine through. I recommend testing a small batch first.
How long do the Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these cupcakes last up to 3 days. Beyond that, the cream cheese frosting might lose its freshness or texture.
Can I double this Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Definitely! Doubling the recipe works well. Just be sure you have enough mixer capacity and oven space for batches. Also, watch your baking time as it may vary slightly when baking multiple pans at once.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become a fall staple in my kitchen. I love that it’s approachable enough for weeknight baking but elegant enough to serve at your next gathering. There’s something so comforting about the warm spices and the creamy frosting that just feels like a hug in cupcake form! I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do—seriously, your friends and family are going to thank you.