Amazing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Oh, fall! There’s just something magical about that crisp air, the changing leaves, and that undeniable craving for a warm Pumpkin Spice Latte, right? Well, guess what? I’ve bottled all that cozy goodness into these incredibly easy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes! After 17 years in the kitchen, I’ve learned how to make those restaurant-worthy flavors happen right at home, and this recipe is proof. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a fun weekend project with the family. We’re talking all your favorite fall vibes, baked into a delicious, totally doable cupcake. You’re going to love this! You can read more about my kitchen philosophy here!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Trust me, these cupcakes are a total game-changer for fall. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Super Easy to Make: Seriously, even if you’re just starting out, you can whip these up without a fuss.
• All the PSL Flavor: We’ve packed in that perfect pumpkin spice and latte vibe you adore.
• Perfect for Fall: They’re ideal for Thanksgiving dessert, Halloween parties, or just a cozy treat with your coffee.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Everyone loves a good cupcake, and these are always a huge hit!

Gather Your Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Alright, let’s get baking! To make these amazing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes, you’ll want to have these goodies ready to go. I always like to have everything measured out before I start, makes things so much smoother.

You’ll need:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and soft, not melted!)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature is best!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (just plain pumpkin, not pie filling!)
• ½ cup buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute: add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Having everything measured and ready really makes the process a breeze. Don’t worry if you don’t have buttermilk; the substitute works like a charm!

Essential Equipment for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

You don’t need a whole bunch of fancy gadgets for these cupcakes, just a few kitchen basics will do the trick! Having these things ready will make whipping up your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes go super smoothly. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

• A standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Cupcake liners (your favorite cute ones, of course!)
• Mixing bowls (a large one for the batter, a medium for dry ingredients, and a small one for the pumpkin mix)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• An electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) – it makes creaming so much easier!
• A whisk
• A rubber spatula
• A wire cooling rack
• A wooden skewer or toothpick for testing doneness

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Alright, it’s time to bring these delicious cupcakes to life! Following these simple steps will make sure you get that perfect pumpkin spice magic in every bite. I love this part because you can really smell the fall spices blooming. We’re going to start with the cupcakes and then whip up that dreamy frosting!

Preparing the Cupcake Batter

First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) and pop your cupcake liners into your muffin tin. Now, in a medium bowl, just give your flour, baking soda, salt, and all those lovely spices a good whisk together. In a big bowl, cream together your softened butter and the granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy – this is key for tender cupcakes! Beat in your eggs one by one, then stir in that vanilla extract. Next, whisk together your pumpkin puree and buttermilk in a little bowl. Now, carefully add about a third of your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mix a bit, then half of your pumpkin mix. Keep alternating, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix it all until it’s *just* combined – please, don’t overmix! Overmixing makes tough cupcakes, and we don’t want that.

Baking and Cooling Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Spoon your batter evenly into those prepared muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full. Pop them into the hot oven and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a wooden skewer or a toothpick stuck right into the center comes out clean. Let them hang out in the tin for a few minutes to cool down a bit before you gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely. That cooling part is super important before frosting, otherwise, you’ll have a melty mess! These are such easy pumpkin recipes to whip up!

Crafting the Perfect PSL Frosting

While those cupcakes are cooling, let’s make the frosting! In a clean bowl, beat your powdered sugar and the softened butter together until it’s wonderfully smooth. Then, add in the milk, your vanilla extract, that tablespoon of pumpkin puree, and the cinnamon. Beat it all up until it’s light, fluffy, and just looks irresistible. You want it to be spreadable but not too runny. If it seems a bit stiff, add a tiny splash more milk; if it’s too thin, a little more powdered sugar should do the trick.

Frosting and Finishing Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Once your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes are totally, completely cool – I can’t stress this enough! – it’s time for the fun part. Take a spoon or an offset spatula and frost each cupcake generously. You can swirl it on, make pretty peaks, whatever makes your heart happy! A little extra dash of cinnamon on top never hurt anyone, either.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

You know, after making countless batches of these Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes (they’re a staple in our house!), I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make them shine. It’s all about those little details that elevate them from good to absolutely amazing. Here are my top tips to guarantee you get the best flavor and texture every single time!

First off, use good quality pumpkin puree. Trust me, it makes a difference! Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling has added sugar and spices that will change the flavor of your cupcakes. Also, don’t rush the cooling process! I know it’s tempting to frost them right away, but warm cupcakes will just melt that gorgeous frosting into a puddle. Patience is a baker’s best friend here!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Okay, let’s chat a little about some of the ingredients, because sometimes things can be a bit confusing, right? For these Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes, it’s super important to grab pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling has extra stuff in it, like sugar and spices, that you don’t want messing with the flavor we’re going for. Just plain pumpkin is perfect!

Also, if you find yourself without buttermilk (it happens!), don’t fret! You can totally make your own. Just take a measuring cup, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, and then pour in regular milk until you reach the ½ cup line. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It’ll curdle up nicely and do the job just fine! And if you’re looking for vegan and gluten-free options, we’ve got you covered on other posts too!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Got questions about these amazing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes? I’ve got answers! It’s totally normal to wonder about making them ahead or tweaking the flavor. Let’s dive in!

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Make the frosting when you’re ready to frost, or store it separately in the fridge (let it come to room temperature and give it a quick re-whip before frosting).

How should I store leftover Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes?

Once frosted, store your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly moist! If your kitchen is super warm, you might pop them in the fridge, but I find they’re best at room temp, so just make sure the container is sealed tight.

Can I add more coffee flavor to these cupcakes?

Ooh, great question! If you’re a big coffee fan like me, you can definitely amp up that latte flavor. Try adding about 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to your dry ingredients when you mix them. It deepens the flavor beautifully without making it taste overtly like coffee, just enhancing that latte vibe!

What’s the best way to get that smooth frosting?

The key to smooth frosting for these Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes is making sure your butter and pumpkin puree are really soft and at room temperature. Also, don’t skimp on beating time! Beat it until it’s really light and fluffy – that incorporates air and makes for a much smoother, creamier frosting. If it seems a bit too thick, a tiny splash of milk can help!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, this nutritional info is an estimate, a ballpark figure for one of these yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes. It can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how generous you are with that frosting! Generally, expect around:

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 3g

It’s always good to keep in mind that baking is a bit of an art, and our delicious creations can vary!

Share Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Creations!

I’d absolutely LOVE to see your amazing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes! Did you try them? Did they turn out perfectly? Please, please, please leave a comment below and tell me all about it! If you snapped any photos, tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your creations! You can also reach out via my contact page if you have any questions or just want to share your baking wins!

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