Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Delightful Fall Treat

by Emily on April 24, 2025

Autumn is here, and what better way to celebrate than with Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes? These tasty treats combine rich pumpkin flavor with a hint of coffee for a cozy delight. Imagine biting into a moist cupcake topped with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon—pure bliss! In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create these lovely fall-inspired cupcakes. Let’s dive in and whip up something special!

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 1 tsp baking powder - 1 tsp baking soda - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - ½ tsp ground nutmeg - ½ tsp ground ginger - ¼ tsp ground cloves - ½ tsp salt These dry ingredients create the base for our cupcakes. The flour gives structure, while sugars add sweetness. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring that warm, cozy flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help the cupcakes rise and become fluffy. - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 3 large eggs - 1 cup pumpkin puree - ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled - 1 tsp vanilla extract The wet ingredients keep our cupcakes moist and rich. The butter adds flavor, while eggs help bind everything together. Pumpkin puree gives the cupcakes their signature taste and color. Brewed espresso adds a nice coffee kick, making it a true pumpkin spice latte experience. - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tbsp powdered sugar - Additional cinnamon for dusting Toppings are the finishing touch for these cupcakes. Whipped cream adds a light and airy texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top not only looks nice, but it also enhances the flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar to the cream if you like. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners. - In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. - Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. - In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together. - Mix the melted butter, eggs, pumpkin puree, cooled espresso or coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. - Gently fold until just combined. - Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine! - Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter. - Bake for 18-20 minutes. - Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean. - Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes. - Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together. - Whip until soft peaks form. - Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them with the whipped cream. - Dust the tops with additional cinnamon for a lovely touch. To make perfect cupcakes, you must avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay. This ensures a light and fluffy texture. Identifying the right baking time is also key. Bake your cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes. Check them with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are done! Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before moving them to a wire rack. This helps keep the texture just right. You can easily add more flavor to your cupcakes. Chocolate chips work well in the batter. They add a rich taste that pairs well with pumpkin. You could also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Incorporate seasonal toppings to make your cupcakes fun and festive. Chopped nuts or candied ginger can add a nice crunch. Dried cranberries also give a sweet-tart flavor that is perfect for fall. Frosting your cupcakes can be creative and fun! Use a piping bag to make swirls and peaks. This adds a nice touch that looks great. You can also use a spatula for a more rustic look. Using edible decorations can make your cupcakes pop! Consider adding sprinkles or chocolate shavings. You could even use small pumpkin candies for a festive touch. These little details make your cupcakes stand out and make them even more enjoyable to eat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor of your cupcakes. If possible, grind your own cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a more vibrant taste. Cool Espresso: Ensure your brewed espresso or coffee is cooled before adding it to the mixture. This prevents the melted butter from cooking the eggs in the batter. Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so a few lumps are perfectly fine. Chill Your Whipping Bowl: For perfectly whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping the cream. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the frosting, try cream cheese frosting. It adds a rich and tangy touch. Just blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. This mix pairs well with the pumpkin flavors. You can also use alternative whipped frostings. For a lighter option, try a whipped coconut cream. Simply chill coconut milk, scoop out the solid part, and whip it with a bit of sugar. This gives a nice, dairy-free twist to your cupcakes. For those needing gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These swaps work well and keep the cupcakes moist. Just remember to adjust baking time slightly. Dairy-free substitutions are easy, too! You can replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream for the frosting. These alternatives keep the cupcakes delicious while meeting dietary needs. To make your cupcakes even more special, try adding other spices. A pinch of cardamom or allspice can enhance the flavor. This makes each bite more exciting and festive. You might also want to top your cupcakes with seasonal fruits or nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. Fresh cranberries can give a tart balance to the sweetness. These additions make your cupcakes stand out at any fall gathering. To keep your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep the moisture in and prevents them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, place them in the fridge. Just remember, cold storage can change the texture a bit. If you have leftover whipped cream, store it in a separate container. Make sure to cover it tightly. It should last for up to two days in the fridge. If your cupcakes are frosted, eat them within a day for the best taste. Unfrosted cupcakes can last longer, around three to four days. To freeze cupcakes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, just let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. If you want to warm them, pop them in a microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy your delightful fall treat anytime! To make these cupcakes gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum. This will help the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy. Follow the same measurements as the regular flour. Enjoy a tasty treat without gluten! Yes! You can bake these cupcakes a day before. Just cool them completely and store them in an airtight container. Frost them on the day you plan to serve. This keeps the whipped cream fresh and fluffy. You can use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso. If you want a caffeine-free option, try using decaf coffee. For a different flavor, use brewed chai tea. This adds a nice spice and still keeps it special. To make the batter less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar by a few tablespoons. For the frosting, you can use less powdered sugar. Taste as you go, and find the right balance for your sweet tooth. Yes, it's best to refrigerate the cupcakes after frosting. This keeps the whipped cream fresh and safe. Just cover them lightly with plastic wrap. Enjoy them cold or let them sit for a few minutes before eating! You now know how to make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes. We covered the key ingredients, from flour to frosting. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide your baking. You learned tips for perfect texture and fun variations to try. Remember to store your cupcakes properly to keep them fresh. Baking can be a joyful experience. Enjoy every bite of your cupcakes!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Seasonal Delight: These Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes perfectly capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and pumpkin flavor.
Coffee Infusion: The brewed espresso adds a rich coffee flavor that complements the sweetness of the cupcakes, making them a unique treat.
Whipped Cream Topping: The light and airy whipped cream adds a delightful finishing touch, enhancing the overall experience.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking to impress.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– ½ cup brown sugar, packed

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– ½ tsp ground nutmeg

– ½ tsp ground ginger

– ¼ tsp ground cloves

– ½ tsp salt

These dry ingredients create the base for our cupcakes. The flour gives structure, while sugars add sweetness. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring that warm, cozy flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.

Wet Ingredients

– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

– 3 large eggs

– 1 cup pumpkin puree

– ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

The wet ingredients keep our cupcakes moist and rich. The butter adds flavor, while eggs help bind everything together. Pumpkin puree gives the cupcakes their signature taste and color. Brewed espresso adds a nice coffee kick, making it a true pumpkin spice latte experience.

Toppings

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 2 tbsp powdered sugar

– Additional cinnamon for dusting

Toppings are the finishing touch for these cupcakes. Whipped cream adds a light and airy texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top not only looks nice, but it also enhances the flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar to the cream if you like.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mixing the Ingredients

– In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.

– Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.

– In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together.

– Mix the melted butter, eggs, pumpkin puree, cooled espresso or coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Baking the Cupcakes

– Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

– Gently fold until just combined.

– Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine!

– Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter.

– Bake for 18-20 minutes.

– Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean.

– Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

– Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Frosting

– In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together.

– Whip until soft peaks form.

Final Assembly

– Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them with the whipped cream.

– Dust the tops with additional cinnamon for a lovely touch.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Cupcake Texture

To make perfect cupcakes, you must avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay. This ensures a light and fluffy texture.

Identifying the right baking time is also key. Bake your cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes. Check them with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are done! Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before moving them to a wire rack. This helps keep the texture just right.

Variations for Flavor

You can easily add more flavor to your cupcakes. Chocolate chips work well in the batter. They add a rich taste that pairs well with pumpkin. You could also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Incorporate seasonal toppings to make your cupcakes fun and festive. Chopped nuts or candied ginger can add a nice crunch. Dried cranberries also give a sweet-tart flavor that is perfect for fall.

Decor Tips

Frosting your cupcakes can be creative and fun! Use a piping bag to make swirls and peaks. This adds a nice touch that looks great. You can also use a spatula for a more rustic look.

Using edible decorations can make your cupcakes pop! Consider adding sprinkles or chocolate shavings. You could even use small pumpkin candies for a festive touch. These little details make your cupcakes stand out and make them even more enjoyable to eat.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor of your cupcakes. If possible, grind your own cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a more vibrant taste.
Cool Espresso: Ensure your brewed espresso or coffee is cooled before adding it to the mixture. This prevents the melted butter from cooking the eggs in the batter.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Chill Your Whipping Bowl: For perfectly whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping the cream.

Variations

Alternative Frostings

If you want to switch up the frosting, try cream cheese frosting. It adds a rich and tangy touch. Just blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. This mix pairs well with the pumpkin flavors.

You can also use alternative whipped frostings. For a lighter option, try a whipped coconut cream. Simply chill coconut milk, scoop out the solid part, and whip it with a bit of sugar. This gives a nice, dairy-free twist to your cupcakes.

Ingredient Swaps

For those needing gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These swaps work well and keep the cupcakes moist. Just remember to adjust baking time slightly.

Dairy-free substitutions are easy, too! You can replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream for the frosting. These alternatives keep the cupcakes delicious while meeting dietary needs.

Seasonal Additions

To make your cupcakes even more special, try adding other spices. A pinch of cardamom or allspice can enhance the flavor. This makes each bite more exciting and festive.

You might also want to top your cupcakes with seasonal fruits or nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. Fresh cranberries can give a tart balance to the sweetness. These additions make your cupcakes stand out at any fall gathering.

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

To keep your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep the moisture in and prevents them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, place them in the fridge. Just remember, cold storage can change the texture a bit.

Frosting Storage Tips

If you have leftover whipped cream, store it in a separate container. Make sure to cover it tightly. It should last for up to two days in the fridge. If your cupcakes are frosted, eat them within a day for the best taste. Unfrosted cupcakes can last longer, around three to four days.

Freezing Tips

To freeze cupcakes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, just let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. If you want to warm them, pop them in a microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy your delightful fall treat anytime!

FAQs

How can I make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes gluten-free?

To make these cupcakes gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum. This will help the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy. Follow the same measurements as the regular flour. Enjoy a tasty treat without gluten!

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake these cupcakes a day before. Just cool them completely and store them in an airtight container. Frost them on the day you plan to serve. This keeps the whipped cream fresh and fluffy.

What can I substitute for espresso in this recipe?

You can use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso. If you want a caffeine-free option, try using decaf coffee. For a different flavor, use brewed chai tea. This adds a nice spice and still keeps it special.

How can I adjust the sweetness in the batter or frosting?

To make the batter less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar by a few tablespoons. For the frosting, you can use less powdered sugar. Taste as you go, and find the right balance for your sweet tooth.

Should I refrigerate the cupcakes after frosting?

Yes, it’s best to refrigerate the cupcakes after frosting. This keeps the whipped cream fresh and safe. Just cover them lightly with plastic wrap. Enjoy them cold or let them sit for a few minutes before eating!

You now know how to make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes. We covered the key ingredients, from flour to frosting. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide your baking. You learned tips for perfect texture and fun variations to try. Remember to store your cupcakes properly to keep them fresh.

Baking can be a joyful experience. Enjoy every bite of your cupcake