Bursting with autumnal flavor and irresistible spice, these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are the cozy treat you’ll want to make on repeat each fall. In every bite, you get fluffy, spiced pumpkin cake crowned with a swirl of tangy-sweet frosting that’s kissed with cinnamon. Whether you’re hosting a holiday, baking for friends, or just want to enjoy a homemade delight with your coffee, these beauties truly capture the season in cupcake form.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting lies in their simple, everyday ingredients—each one brings something unique to the table, from warm spices to creamy richness. Let’s break down the essentials so every cupcake turns out perfectly flavorful and moist.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the cupcakes.
Baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise nicely for that bakery look.
Baking soda: Gives an extra lift and reacts with pumpkin for lightness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors so nothing tastes flat.
Ground cinnamon: The main spice note, infusing warmth throughout the cake and frosting.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a sweetly spiced, woodsy undertone.
Ground cloves: Introduces depth with a hint of bold, aromatic spice.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake unbelievably moist and soft.
Canned pumpkin purée: The star of the show, offering moistness and signature pumpkin flavor—use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and lightens the crumb.
Brown sugar: Adds rich, caramelized notes and enhances the cupcake’s texture.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and gives the cupcakes a welcoming aroma.
Cream cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the cinnamon-spiced frosting.
Unsalted butter: Ensures a luscious, smooth frosting and balances richness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it cloud-like.
More ground cinnamon (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with a cozy, comforting spice.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the tang of the cream cheese with a fragrant touch.

How to Make Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners—this keeps your cupcakes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven heats up, you can gather your ingredients and set out your butter and cream cheese so they soften for the frosting later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing these now ensures every bite of cupcake gets just the right blend of autumn spices and that there are no sneaky clumps of leaveners.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the vegetable oil, pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy—you’ll be amazed how the pumpkin turns everything a lovely shade of orange, and the mixture smells incredible even at this stage.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Just fold them together gently until no dry flour remains; this helps keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so less is more here!

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—frosting melts on warm cupcakes, so patience pays off here.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until creamy and well-blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. You want a texture that’s easy to pipe or spread, so scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to get everything perfectly mixed.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously using either a piping bag for beautiful swirls or a simple spatula for a classic touch. Don’t be shy with the frosting—the pairing of tangy cream cheese, sweet spice, and pumpkin is what makes these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting so unforgettable.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For a showstopping finish, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or cinnamon sugar over the frosted cupcakes. For special occasions, a tiny candy pumpkin on top or even a light dusting of edible gold glitter can make each cupcake feel extra festive and bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

While these cupcakes are the main event, they pair wonderfully with simple sides. Serve with a mug of chai, spiced apple cider, or a strong cup of coffee to amplify those cozy autumn vibes. If you’re creating a dessert spread, consider a bowl of whipped cream or a plate of crisp apple slices for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting on a rustic wooden tray, nestled among colorful autumn leaves or mini pumpkins. For a party, arrange them in a tiered cupcake display, or use individual cupcake boxes as thoughtful take-home treats for guests—everyone loves a little gift to go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, let me tell you!), store these cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled, and they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to three days. Let them rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring back their soft, fluffy texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the unfrosted Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting for up to two months. Once fully cooled, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost fresh before serving. For best results, freeze the frosting separately in a sealed container.

Reheating

If your cupcakes are a bit cold straight from the fridge, set them out at room temperature for 30–40 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the frosting and change the cupcake’s texture. Serve once they’ve softened and let those autumn flavors shine!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, make sure to roast and puree sugar pumpkins until smooth, then let the purée drain to remove excess moisture. The result will be just as delicious, sometimes with an even richer pumpkin flavor.

Why do my cupcakes sometimes turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make cupcakes heavy. Be sure to spoon and level your flour, and mix the batter just until combined for the fluffiest Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.

What piping tip works best for frosting?

A large star or round piping tip creates beautiful swirls, but you can also simply spread the frosting with an offset spatula for a rustic look. Don’t stress about perfection—the flavor makes these cupcakes shine regardless!

How far in advance can I make these cupcakes?

You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them on the day you plan to serve. If you want to make the frosting ahead, store it in the fridge and give it a quick beat before using to refresh its fluffiness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend (1:1 for regular flour) to create gluten-free Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Just check the blend for xanthan gum or add a touch if it’s not included.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting brings together the warmth and comfort of fall’s best flavors. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become a favorite for celebrations or cozy nights in. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever the craving for something beautifully spiced and sweet hits!