Description

These pumpkin spice latte cupcakes are an effortless, beginner-proof dessert that tastes like your favorite coffee shop drink. Made with simple pantry staples and topped with cream cheese frosting, they are moist, flavorful, and perfect for fall.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (15 oz) canned pumpkin puree
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
4 oz (115g) block cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (55g) butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease lightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and espresso powder.
Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While cupcakes cool, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Frost cooled cupcakes generously and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Do not use pumpkin pie filling; use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth frosting. Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps. Store in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 180
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: pumpkin spice latte cupcakes, fall baking, easy cupcakes, pumpkin spice dessert, cream cheese frosting, coffee shop copycat