The Coziest Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Recipe Ever

Crafting delightful pumpkin spice latte cupcakes brings autumn’s warmth right into your kitchen.

Cozy aromas of cinnamon and espresso will dance through your home.

Sweet memories of coffee shop indulgences inspire this delectable treat.

Seasonal baking becomes an adventure with these perfectly spiced miniature cakes.

Creamy frosting and rich espresso notes create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Comfort and excitement merge in every single bite you take.

Your taste buds are about to embark on a delicious journey through fall’s most beloved ingredients.

FAQs

  • What makes the pumpkin spice flavor in these cupcakes?

The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combined with pumpkin puree create the classic pumpkin spice flavor profile, just like in a traditional latte.

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, you can substitute brewed coffee with a strong mixture of instant coffee. Just dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee in hot water to match the recipe’s coffee requirement.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?

These cupcakes are vegetarian, as they contain eggs and use standard baking ingredients. However, they are not vegan due to the eggs and dairy potential in the frosting.

  • How do I know when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cupcakes are done. They should also have a golden brown top and spring back slightly when touched.

Cupcakes That Deliver Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Fix

  • Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful cupcakes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Seasonal Flavor Explosion: Capture the cozy autumn essence with a perfect blend of pumpkin, coffee, and warming spices that dance on your taste buds.
  • Coffee Lover's Dream Dessert: Incorporate brewed coffee into the batter for a rich, deep flavor that transforms an ordinary cupcake into an extraordinary treat that coffee enthusiasts will adore.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or as a special weekend dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Ingredient Breakdown

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for light and fluffy cupcakes.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help cupcakes rise and become tender.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Classic pumpkin spice warming spices.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps cupcakes soft and moist.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and binding.
  • Brewed Coffee: Deepens pumpkin spice flavor profile.
Sweet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and caramel undertones.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Easy Cupcake Making Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F and grab a cupcake pan. Line each cavity with cute paper liners to prevent sticking and make serving super easy.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground ginger

Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly combined and fluffy.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredient Goodness

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Brewed coffee

Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently fold and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix or your cupcakes will become tough.

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully spoon the batter into each liner, filling about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare for Frosting

Let the cupcakes rest in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before adding any frosting.

Cupcake Tips for Pumpkin Spice Latte Flavor

  • Brew Coffee Wisely: Use freshly brewed, strong coffee at room temperature for the most robust flavor profile in your cupcakes.
  • Measure Spices Precisely: Level off your measuring spoons for cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to ensure balanced and consistent spice throughout the batter.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at an angle to test cupcake readiness, ensuring it comes out with just a few moist crumbs for perfect texture.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Pull out eggs and other refrigerated items 30 minutes before mixing to help ingredients blend more smoothly and create a tender crumb.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cupcakes and maintain a light, airy texture.

Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes Storing Guide That Works

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen cupcakes, thaw completely before gently warming to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.

Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes Pairing Tips

  • Complement Spiced Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Flavor Companions
  • Brew Perfect Coffee Pairing: Select a medium-roast Colombian coffee with caramel undertones that echo the cupcake's warm spices and enhance its rich pumpkin profile.
  • Create Whipped Cream Accent: Top cupcakes with cinnamon-dusted whipped cream, adding extra layers of creamy sweetness that complement the dessert's complex flavor palette.
  • Match Seasonal Beverage: Serve alongside a chai tea latte, which shares similar warm spice notes of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Recommend Nutty Side Treat: Plate with candied pecans or toasted walnuts, introducing a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that balances the cupcake's moist, spiced character.

Autumn Styles for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture stability.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace dairy with almond milk in frosting.
  • Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, incorporate cream cheese frosting with low-carb sweeteners.
  • Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: Use coconut milk or almond milk in recipe, replace butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for frosting.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Seasonal delight Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes bring autumn’s warmth to your dessert table with espresso-infused cake and creamy frosting. Spiced with cinnamon and topped with a coffee drizzle, these cupcakes promise a delectable celebration of fall’s most beloved flavors you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup brewed coffee

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare a muffin tin with paper liners, creating a cozy baking environment.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients – flour, leavening agents, salt, and warming spices – in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking to ensure even distribution.
  3. In a separate container, thoroughly blend pumpkin puree with granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and freshly brewed coffee until smooth and well-incorporated.
  4. Gently fold the dry mixture into the liquid ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender cupcake texture and prevent overmixing.
  5. Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
  6. Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake until a slender testing skewer emerges clean when inserted into the center of a cupcake, indicating perfect doneness.
  7. Allow the cupcakes to rest briefly in the pan, then carefully transfer to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling before adorning with frosting.

Notes

  • Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil for a healthier, more tropical twist that adds subtle richness to the cupcakes.
  • Consider using decaf coffee or replacing coffee with milk for a kid-friendly version that maintains the warm spice flavor.
  • For a gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these seasonal treats.
  • Enhance the pumpkin spice intensity by adding a pinch of cloves or increasing the ground cinnamon for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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