Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe You’ll Bake Again and Again

Pumpkin cupcakes are the ultimate treat when you want something soft, spiced, and comforting. These cupcakes combine the rich flavour of pumpkin with warm spices that make every bite taste like autumn. Light, moist, and topped with your favourite frosting, they are perfect for both casual snacking and special occasions.
What makes these cupcakes truly irresistible is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, or dress them up with cream cheese frosting for a bakery style dessert. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe delivers cupcakes that are so good, you’ll keep coming back to bake them again and again.
Why You Need This Recipe

This recipe is simple, quick, and uses basic pantry ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime. The pumpkin keeps the cupcakes moist for days, while the spices add depth of flavour that makes them stand out from ordinary cupcakes. Unlike store bought versions, these homemade cupcakes allow you to control the sweetness and add personal touches. They’re also freezer friendly, so you can always have a sweet treat ready when you need one.
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to make cupcakes that are soft, moist, and packed with delicious pumpkin flavor
Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx) |
---|---|---|
All purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | 550 |
Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 |
Baking soda | ½ tsp | 0 |
Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 |
Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp | 3 |
Ground ginger | ½ tsp | 3 |
Pumpkin puree | 1 cup | 80 |
Brown sugar | ¾ cup | 310 |
Vegetable oil | ½ cup | 960 |
Large eggs | 2 | 140 |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
Milk | ¼ cup | 40 |
Calories are approximate for the entire recipe and may vary by serving size
How to Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. In another large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as it can make the cupcakes dense. Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool before adding frosting or serving.
Pro Tips
For the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If you want extra moist cupcakes, replace half of the oil with applesauce. To enhance the flavour, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a stronger spice profile. Always allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the topping from melting.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
These cupcakes taste incredible with classic cream cheese frosting, but you can also try vanilla buttercream, maple glaze, or even whipped cream for a lighter option. For a festive touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, crushed nuts, or mini chocolate chips on top. Pair them with a warm latte, spiced tea, or hot cider for the perfect cozy treat.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cupcakes are soft, moist, and full of warm flavours that make them a year round favourite. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, they’re the kind of dessert you’ll always want to bake again and again. Whether served plain or frosted, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.