Servings
Font
Back
4.7 from 81 votes

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

A riff on the popular Starbucks drink.. coffee-infused pumpkin cupcakes brushed with coffee and topped with whipped cream frosting.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 474 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:
  • 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 4½ teaspoons espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • ¾ cup canned pumpkin
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup brewed coffee for brushing
For the Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy cream
To Garnish:
  • cinnamon
  • Caramel sauce

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make the Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners; set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, both sugars and the vegetable oil until completely combined, making sure to break up any chunks of brown sugar so no lumps remain. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time. Add the flour mixture in two additions, folding with a rubber spatula until no flour pockets remain.
  4. Divide the batter between the baking cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. While the cupcakes are still warm, brush the tops with the brewed coffee. Let each coat soak in before applying the next. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
  5. Make the Frosting: On medium speed, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract in a mixer with the whisk attachment until smooth and completely combined, about 3 minutes. Slowly add the heavy cream, scrape the sides of the bowl, then increase speed to medium-high and whip until stiff peaks form.
  6. Assemble the Cupcakes: Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes, then sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Note: I had a little bit of frosting leftover, and as you can see, I piled it high on each cupcake. I always believe that more is better when it comes to frosting, but if you prefer less, you can scale it down.
  • Note
  • Nutritional values are based on one serving

Nutrition Information

Calories 474kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 46g (15%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 31g (48%) Saturated Fat 20g (100%) Cholesterol 102mg (34%) Sodium 314mg (13%) Potassium 180mg (5%) Sugar 26g (52%) Vitamin A 3270IU (65%) Vitamin C 0.9mg (1%) Calcium 82mg (8%) Iron 1.2mg (7%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12cupcakes

Amount Per Serving

Calories 474

% Daily Value*

Calories 474kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 46g 15%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 31g 48%
Saturated Fat 20g 100%
Cholesterol 102mg 34%
Sodium 314mg 13%
Potassium 180mg 4%
Sugar 26g 52%
Vitamin A 3270IU 65%
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1%
Calcium 82mg 8%
Iron 1.2mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.