Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes: Fall in Every Bite!

ByEmma

Nothing screams autumn like the cozy combo of pumpkin and spice. These Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes bring your favorite seasonal drink into a fluffy decadent treat—perfect for brunch dessert or just because!

Contents

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

  • Rich coffee flavor meets warm pumpkin spice.
  • Super moist thanks to real pumpkin puree.
  • Easy to make—no fancy skills needed!
  • Topped with creamy espresso frosting for that true PSL experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (Pro tip: Make your own with cinnamon nutmeg ginger and cloves!)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)

For the Espresso Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp instant espresso powder (dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

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

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda pumpkin pie spice and salt. Set aside.

3. Blend Wet Ingredients

In another bowl beat pumpkin puree sugars oil eggs and vanilla until smooth. Slowly mix in the cooled coffee.

4. Combine & Bake

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined—don’t overmix! Fill liners ⅔ full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Whip Up the Frosting

Beat butter until creamy then add powdered sugar espresso mixture vanilla and salt. Whip until light and fluffy. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

6. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for that Instagram-worthy finish!

Pro Tips for the Best Cupcakes

  • Room-temperature ingredients blend better—take eggs and butter out ahead of time!
  • Don’t overbake—check a minute early to avoid dryness.
  • Strong coffee = better flavor—use espresso if you have it!

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes are a must-try for fall baking. They’re soft spiced and topped with a dreamy coffee frosting that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Craving more? Swap the frosting for a cinnamon cream cheese twist!

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