Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes

By: CALVIN ROURKE

Published: September 08, 2025

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why make this recipe

Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of fall right into your kitchen. They are soft, fluffy, and packed with pumpkin goodness. These cupcakes are not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or just for a cozy evening at home. The cream cheese frosting adds a delicious touch, making every bite even more enjoyable.

how to make Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined.
  4. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  9. Gradually add powdered sugar and brown sugar, beating until fluffy.
  10. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!

how to serve Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes

Serve Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes fresh out of the oven or after they have cooled. You can place them on a beautiful plate and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch. These cupcakes are great for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or even as a sweet snack during the day.

how to store Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes

To store your Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, especially if they are frosted. They will stay good for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.

tips to make Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes

  • Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or make your own by roasting fresh pumpkins.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter; this will keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • For extra flavor, you can add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
  • If you want a sweeter frosting, feel free to add more powdered sugar to taste.

variation

You can make Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes by adding a mix of spices such as ginger and cloves. Another variation is to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and flavored, which can alter your cupcake’s taste. It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

How can I make the frosting dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese and margarine to create a delicious dairy-free frosting for the cupcakes.

Print

Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes

Delightful pumpkin cupcakes that bring the flavors of fall right into your kitchen, topped with cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
  • By: Calvin Rourke
  • Category: Desserts
  • Difficulty: Not specified
  • Cuisine: Not specified
  • Yield: 12 Servings
  • Dietary: None

Ingredients

  • 01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 02 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 03 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 04 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 05 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 06 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 07 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 08 1 cup sugar
  • 09 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 10 3 large eggs
  • 11 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 12 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 13 8 oz cream cheese
  • 14 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 15 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 16 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

Step 01

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 02

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 03

3. In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined.

Step 04

4. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.

Step 05

5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 06

6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.

Step 07

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 08

8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Step 09

9. Gradually add powdered sugar and brown sugar, beating until fluffy.

Step 10

10. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!