Name: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487821H59M10S
Total time: PT-487821H59M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 4 eggs, room temperature, beaten; 1 (15-ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix); 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 6–8 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, capturing all the warm flavors of fall. The pumpkin keeps the cake tender, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. Decorate them with Halloween-themed sprinkles, candy eyes, or a drizzle of chocolate for a fun and festive touch.

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 eggs, room temperature, beaten
1 (15-ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
6–8 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and pumpkin until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Bake cupcakes: Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until creamy and fluffy. Adjust powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.
Frost cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag. Decorate with Halloween-themed toppings as desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cupcakes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a healthier or gluten-free option.
Add chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or caramel bits to the batter for extra indulgence.
Swap cream cheese frosting for a whipped cream frosting for a lighter alternative.
Tint the frosting orange or green for festive Halloween colors.

Storage/Reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Frosting is best served chilled; let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them the next day.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices. Use plain pumpkin puree for best results.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Absolutely! Reduce bake time to 12–15 minutes for mini cupcakes.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Yes, substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Halloween Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a fun, festive, and delicious way to celebrate the season. Moist, spiced cupcakes paired with rich, creamy frosting make these treats a standout at any Halloween party or fall gathering. Perfect for decorating with spooky toppings or enjoying as-is, these cupcakes are sure to become a seasonal favorite.