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Fall pumpkin cupcakes topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting.

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Fluffy Cream Cheese Icing

Renee' Groskreutz
These spiced pumpkin cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. A perfect fall treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress! The subtle warmth from cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice makes these cupcakes a cozy, flavorful dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 stick ½ cup butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

  • Candy corn ground cinnamon, freshly ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners; set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
  • In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, evenly portion the batter into the prepared cupcake liners. Fill each liner about ¾ full for larger cupcakes (10 cupcakes) or about ⅔ full for a dozen cupcakes.
  • Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until creamy and fluffy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed to prevent the sugar from splattering, then increase to medium-high speed. Beat for an additional 2-3 minutes to make the frosting extra light and airy.
  • Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously using a piping bag or by spreading with a spatula. For a festive touch, sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon or top with candy corn.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Notes

Products:
  • Muffin tin
  • Electric mixer
  • Cookie scoop
Note:
  • For a slightly sweeter frosting, adjust the powdered sugar to 3 cups.
  • You can substitute the spices with 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus an additional teaspoon of cinnamon if desired.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
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