Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes (Print View)

Spiced pumpkin cupcakes kissed with coffee and mocha frosting, ideal for festive autumn occasions.

# Components:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
06 - 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
07 - 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
08 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Mocha Frosting

13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
17 - 2 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed
18 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well blended.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together coffee, pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain tenderness.
05 - Divide the prepared batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
07 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy using an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Begin mixing on low speed until combined, then increase speed and beat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If necessary, add extra milk 1 teaspoon at a time to adjust consistency.
08 - Pipe or spread the mocha frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice for decoration.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry staples and just one bowl for the batter
  • Perfect balance of pumpkin and warm spice flavor
  • Cookies lovers and cupcake skeptics alike have asked for this recipe again and again
02 -
  • High in cozy flavors like pumpkin and warm spice
  • Can be made dairy free with simple swaps
03 -
  • Always let the cupcakes cool fully before frosting or the topping will melt
  • Start beating the butter for the frosting until it is nearly white for the fluffiest texture