Name: Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon Kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup pumpkin puree; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup canola oil; 2 eggs; 8 Tablespoons butter, softened; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar, more as needed; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons maple extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 203 reviews

If you’re looking to cozy up your dessert table with something irresistibly tender and bursting with autumn flavors, this Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These cupcakes are the perfect harmony of soft, spiced pumpkin cake topped with a luxuriously sweet and tangy maple cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. Baking these treats is not only straightforward but incredibly satisfying—the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with loved ones year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are 13 containers and items, including a jar of tan brown sugar, a jar of white granulated sugar, a clear glass jug with light yellow oil, a small jar of salt, a white bowl filled with bright orange pumpkin puree in the center, a small white dish containing brown cinnamon powder, two white eggs placed side by side, a stick of butter with its wrapper partially open, a small white bowl of soy sauce or vanilla extract, a small spice jar with cinnamon powder, a block of cream cheese on shiny silver foil in the bottom middle, a large white bowl filled with white flour, and a large jar containing white powdered sugar. All containers are white in color or clear glass, creating a clean and organized look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in your cupcakes. From the aromatic pumpkin pie spice that sets the warm tone, to the rich cream cheese that creates that dreamy frosting texture, these components work together beautifully to achieve the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and color.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cupcakes structure without weighing them down.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices that perfectly complements the pumpkin flavor.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise gently and stay light.
½ teaspoon baking soda: A little lift and tenderness boost, balancing acidity perfectly.
½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of comforting spice.
1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient adding moisture, flavor, and that gorgeous orange hue.
½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle caramel note and deep sweetness.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness while keeping the crumb tender.
½ cup canola oil: Keeps cupcakes moist and soft throughout.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
8 Tablespoons butter, softened: Essential for a creamy, luscious frosting base.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Gives the frosting its signature tang and smooth texture.
4 cups powdered sugar, more as needed: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the frosting flavors with a fragrant, sweet note.
2 teaspoons maple extract: Infuses the frosting with that warm, cozy maple flavor which complements pumpkin wonderfully.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a muffin tin with 12 paper liners. This simple step sets you up for perfectly shaped cupcakes and easy clean-up, making the baking process so much smoother.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures the spice and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every bite bursts with consistent flavor and just the right rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, canola oil, and eggs until everything is smooth and well blended. This combination brings moisture, sweetness, and richness that your cupcakes absolutely crave.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture carefully until just combined. This keeps the batter light and airy, avoiding overmixing that could make your cupcakes dense.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Scoop the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway to two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack—this cooling step is crucial before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing with care to achieve a smooth and airy texture. Stir in vanilla and maple extracts for that signature flavor punch. Adjust powdered sugar quantity to reach a frosting that holds its shape but still feels light and creamy.

Step 7: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them generously with your maple cream cheese frosting using a piping bag and a 1M tip for a beautiful swirl, or simply spread with a knife for a rustic charm. These frosted beauties are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows several golden-brown cupcakes arranged on a white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has one layer of fluffy, light brown frosting swirled on top in a tall, smooth spiral with soft peaks. The cupcakes have a slightly textured, moist cake base with a ribbed white paper liner around the sides. In the background, there are blurred orange pumpkins adding a warm, autumn feel to the composition. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a thoughtful garnish can elevate your presentation and flavor. Consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg atop each frosted cupcake, or adding a small dollop of chopped toasted pecans for crunch. A drizzle of real maple syrup over the frosting also adds a heavenly touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your cupcakes with warm beverages like chai tea, spiced cider, or a creamy latte for a perfect autumn treat. Adding a side of fresh fruit, such as apple slices or pear wedges, balances the richness nicely and rounds out the snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cupcakes into a stunning centerpiece by arranging them on a tiered stand with fall leaves or miniature pumpkins as decor. You could also serve them in decorative cupcake liners or box them up as charming gifts—it’s hard to go wrong with these crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cupcakes stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness. The cool temperature helps maintain the frosting’s luscious texture and keeps the cupcake moist.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before frosting. If you want to freeze frosted cupcakes, place them on a tray to freeze individually first, then transfer to a container, wrapping gently to protect the frosting.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes at room temperature or slightly warmer, remove them from the fridge and let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving frosted cupcakes as this can cause the frosting to become soft and lose its beautiful texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree, or does it need to be homemade?

Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and is actually the easiest choice. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can swap the eggs for flax or chia seeds mixed with water and use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. While the texture may vary slightly, it’s a delicious alternative for those avoiding dairy.

What’s the best way to adjust sweetness if I prefer less sugar?

Feel free to reduce the granulated sugar by a quarter cup. The brown sugar and maple frosting provide plenty of sweetness, so you won’t lose the cozy flavor balance.

Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I get the frosting to pipe neatly and hold its shape?

The key is to ensure both your butter and cream cheese are softened properly before beating. If the frosting feels too soft after adding sugar, add a bit more powdered sugar gradually until it firms up enough to pipe beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe combines everything warm and wonderful about fall in every bite. Watching these little cakes come together fills the kitchen with the scents of cinnamon and maple, and sharing them with friends or family adds that special cozy vibe we all crave. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a favorite that shows up whenever pumpkin treats are in season!