There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of warm spices and pumpkin filling your kitchen, and these Pumpkin Cupcakes capture that magic in every bite. Light, moist, and perfectly spiced, they’re a fall baking favorite that brings seasonal joy to any occasion.
Made with real pumpkin purée and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cupcakes have a rich flavor and tender crumb. Unlike heavier pumpkin desserts, this recipe strikes the perfect balance, light enough for an afternoon treat, yet indulgent enough for holiday celebrations or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
The real star? The frosting. Whether you choose a classic cream cheese frosting, a maple buttercream, or even a cinnamon-spiced whipped topping, it takes these cupcakes to another level. The tanginess of the frosting pairs beautifully with the warm spices of the cake, creating a flavor combo that’s both nostalgic and totally crave-worthy.
What’s great about pumpkin cupcakes is how easy they are to make. No special equipment, no fuss, just a bowl, a whisk, and a muffin tin. They’re also incredibly versatile. Want to make them gluten-free? Swap in your favorite GF flour blend. Need a dairy-free version? Use plant-based milk and vegan butter. You can even add chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or a caramel drizzle for a fun twist.
These cupcakes aren’t just for dessert, either. Pair one with your morning coffee or pack it as a midday pick-me-up. They also make adorable party favors, just pop them into decorative wrappers and tie them with a ribbon.
Whether you’re baking for a fall birthday, Friendsgiving, Halloween party, or simply embracing cozy season at home, Pumpkin Cupcakes bring that sweet, spiced magic we all crave this time of year. Soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, they’re sure to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger ground
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg ground
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 eggs large,
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and canned pumpkin.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill each liner about 3/4 full with the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
Nutrition










I dunno… my cupcakes tasted kinda bland. Maybe I needed more spices? Gonna try adding more cinammon next time.
Pumpkin is for Halloween, not cupcakes! 😛 But I guess some people like it. Not my thing.
I totally disagree! Pumpkin cupcakes are delicious. You’re missing out! 🎃
Not bad, but I think I prefer carrot cake over pumpkin 😕
My kids loved these! Perfect for Halloween parties! 🎃
Yummm! Just what I needed for fall! I added chocolate chips and they were amazing.
Chocolate chips sound like a delicious addition! I’m going to try that next time! Thanks for the tip!
I dunno, chocolate with pumpkin? Seems weird. But if you liked it, who am I to judge?
Didnt have butter so used margarine, still came out yummy!
Wow, these were beyond delicious! I added walnuts for a little crunch. My friends can’t stop raving about them. Def doing this again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m glad you liked them! Adding walnuts is a great idea! 😍 I’ve been thinking about making these too, but what if I substitute the pumpkin? Any suggestions?
I tried this recipe but it didn’t rise well. Not sure if I mixed it too much or what happened. The taste was decent but the texture was off. I’m giving it a 3.
YALL! These cupcakes are life-changing. Seriously, best recipe ever!
I totally agree! These cupcakes changed my life too! Just made a batch and they didn’t last long. 😍
These cupcakes are amazing! So moist and flavorful. Perfect for fall!
The spices were too much for my taste. I prefer simpler flavors, but my kids loved them!
Confused about the milk part. Is it necessary? I skipped it and they were fine.
Skipping the milk seems to work for you, but it does help with the moisture! I wouldn’t recommend it if you want them fluffy.
Mmmmm, the spices are on point! Great recipe for Halloween party!
Great recipe! Easy to follow and my kids loved them. Will make again! 😉
Wot kind of pumpkins do you use? I jus got a can from the store 😳
These cupcakes are soooo good! 😍
Just okay. Prefer chocolate over pumpkin any day. Might try again but with a twist.
I followed the recipe exactly but mine came out too dry. What did I do wrong?
Delicious! I added some chocolate chips for extra fun 😍
Just ok. I expected more flavor. Are you sure this makes 12 cupcakes? Seems like less!
Too much spice for my taste! I like the pumpkin but not all those added flavors. 😕
These pumpkin cupcakes are absolutely delicious! Perfect for fall! 🍂
Yummm!! I’m not even a pumpkin fan but these cupcakes are sooo good! Definitely recommend! 👍
I don’t get how these are cupcakes. They taste like muffins to me.
I followed this recipe but they came out too dry. Any tips?
Why do we even need all those spices? Just use cinnamon, less complicated.
I don’t have pumpkin can, can I use fresh pumpkin? Anyone tried that?
I tried making these, but they came out kinda dry. Maybe I overbaked them? Not sure what went wrong.
Overbaking can definitely dry them out! Maybe try reducing the baking time a bit next time. Hope you give them another shot!
Yall should try adding whipped cream on top, itz even better!
I don’t like pumpkin that much, but these were really good. Might make again!
These look good, but how long do I bake them for again? Will they really come out good like the pic?
You bake them for 18-20 minutes. And trust me, they turn out amazing! Just like the picture!
These pumpkin cupcakes are a fall must! So moist and full of flavor. Used cream cheese frosting as suggested and it complimented them perfectly! 5 stars!
Can u make them without eggs? I’m vegan and love pumpkin.
Too many spices for my taste. Could tone it down a bit.
Simple and easy! Will make again for sure!
I’m so glad you found it simple! These pumpkin cupcakes are a fall favorite for sure!
I tried making these but they turned out super dry. Maybe I overbaked? 🤔
Made these for a potluck at work, and they were totally gone! Everyone wanted the recipe. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
These pumpkin cupcakes were a hit at my party! Super moist and flavorful. Will definitely make them again!
Not bad. But my cousin makes better ones. Just saying.
These pumpkin cupcakes are a hit! Super moist and flavorful!