There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, spiced flavors of a pumpkin spice latte. Now, imagine those cozy autumn vibes wrapped in a soft, fluffy cupcake! These Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes take everything you love about the seasonal favorite and transform it into an irresistible dessert. With a rich pumpkin base infused with espresso and a luscious coffee-infused buttercream, these cupcakes are the perfect treat for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or simply indulging in a taste of autumn any time of year.

Not only do they capture the essence of a pumpkin spice latte, but they’re also incredibly moist, thanks to real pumpkin puree. The hint of espresso balances the sweetness, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that signature fall flavor. Whether you’re a PSL fanatic or just love a good spiced cupcake, this recipe is bound to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring these autumn-inspired cupcakes to life:

For the Cupcakes:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Baking powder	1 tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Ground cinnamon	2 tsp
Ground nutmeg	½ tsp
Ground cloves	¼ tsp
Pumpkin puree	1 cup
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	½ cup
Eggs	2
Unsalted butter (melted)	½ cup
Whole milk	¼ cup
Strong brewed espresso	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

For the Coffee Buttercream:

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Brewed espresso (cooled)	2 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Ground cinnamon (optional)	½ tsp

For Garnish (Optional):

Caramel drizzle
Cinnamon stick
Pumpkin pie spice
Whipped cream

Equipment Needed

To make these cupcakes, you’ll need:

Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
Electric mixer – To ensure a smooth, fluffy batter and frosting.
Muffin tin & liners – Essential for shaping the cupcakes.
Wire rack – Helps cupcakes cool evenly.
Piping bag & tip – For professional-looking frosting application.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

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

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, espresso, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.

2. Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Coffee Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well between each addition. Pour in the cooled espresso and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. If desired, mix in a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

4. Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe the buttercream onto each cupcake using a piping bag. Drizzle with caramel sauce, dust with pumpkin spice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a beautiful, café-style presentation.

Tips and Variations

No espresso? Substitute with strong coffee or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water.
Dairy-free version: Swap the butter with dairy-free alternatives and use almond or oat milk.
Extra spice: Add a pinch of ginger for even more warmth.
Moisture boost: A tablespoon of sour cream in the batter makes the cupcakes even richer.
Less sweet buttercream: Reduce the powdered sugar by ½ cup and add a splash of milk to adjust consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are best served with a cozy drink, like a homemade chai latte, hot cocoa, or, of course, a pumpkin spice latte!

For an extra indulgent touch, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

If you’re serving them at a party, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks for a picture-perfect fall spread.

Pairings

A dessert this rich pairs beautifully with:

Pumpkin Spice Latte: Double down on the PSL vibes!
Spiced Apple Cider: The apple and cinnamon enhance the cupcake’s warmth.
Dark Roast Coffee: A bold espresso balances the sweetness perfectly.
Baileys or Kahlúa: For an adult twist, enjoy these cupcakes with a coffee liqueur-infused drink.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, bringing them to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.
Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cupcake (approx.)
Calories	280
Carbohydrates	40g
Protein	3g
Fat	12g
Sugar	28g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes are the ultimate fall-inspired dessert, combining the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin with the rich depth of espresso. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, enhanced by a smooth, coffee-infused buttercream that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking them for a seasonal celebration, a cozy night in, or simply to indulge in a little autumn magic, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. The combination of real pumpkin, aromatic spices, and bold coffee creates a truly irresistible treat that PSL lovers and cupcake enthusiasts alike will adore.

Beyond their delicious taste, these cupcakes are also incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. From adjusting the spice levels to experimenting with different toppings, there are endless ways to make them your own. Serve them alongside a warm latte or spiced cider for the ultimate fall experience, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends. No matter the occasion, these Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes bring the comforting essence of autumn straight to your kitchen—one delightful bite at a time.