Chocolate Pumpkin Cream Filled Cupcakes: A Decadent Fall Delight

There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and warm, spiced pumpkin. These Chocolate Pumpkin Cream Filled Cupcakes bring together the best of both worlds—moist, dark chocolate cupcakes with a luscious pumpkin cream filling. Perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or even Thanksgiving dessert tables, these cupcakes are as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat.

The velvety pumpkin-spiced filling provides a contrast to the deep cocoa flavor, making every bite a dreamy experience. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or a chocoholic, this dessert is bound to impress! Plus, with a simple baking process, these cupcakes are easy to make and even easier to devour.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup
Baking powder	1 tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Eggs	2 large
Whole milk	½ cup
Vegetable oil	⅓ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Hot coffee (or hot water)	½ cup
For the Pumpkin Cream Filling
Cream cheese (softened)	4 oz (½ block)
Pumpkin purée	½ cup
Powdered sugar	¼ cup
Pumpkin pie spice	1 tsp
Vanilla extract	½ tsp
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	¾ cup
Heavy cream	½ cup
Butter	1 tbsp

Substitutions & Tips

• No coffee? Use hot water; it enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
• Dairy-free? Swap out whole milk for almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cream cheese.
• Pumpkin pie spice alternative? Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a 4:2:1:1 ratio.

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin and cupcake liners – to shape and bake the cupcakes.
• Mixing bowls – for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer – to beat the batter and filling smoothly.
• Piping bag (or ziplock bag) – for easy cupcake filling.
• Small saucepan – to prepare the ganache.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth (it will be thin, but that’s normal!).
7. Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling them.

2. Make the Pumpkin Cream Filling

1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Add pumpkin purée, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with a snipped corner).

3. Fill the Cupcakes

1. Use a knife or a cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake.
2. Pipe the pumpkin cream filling into the hole until slightly overfilled.
3. Replace the top of the cut-out cupcake piece if desired.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Stir until smooth and glossy.

5. Frost and Garnish

1. Spoon or drizzle the ganache over the filled cupcakes.
2. Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving.
3. Optionally, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, pumpkin spice, or chopped nuts for extra flair.

Tips and Variations

• Make it extra festive by adding whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel over the ganache.
• Add crunch by incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin filling.
• Spooky twist for Halloween? Top with Halloween sprinkles or candy eyes.
• Gluten-free version? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Want more filling? Core out a larger section for extra pumpkin goodness.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. The pumpkin filling remains creamy, and the chocolate ganache firms up for the perfect bite. Pair them with:

• A dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy experience.
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an elegant touch.
• A side of vanilla ice cream for a decadent contrast.

Perfect Pairings

The rich chocolate and spiced pumpkin flavors pair well with:

• Pumpkin spice latte – amplifies the warm autumn flavors.
• Dark roast coffee – balances the sweetness with deep, earthy notes.
• Spiced chai tea – complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
• Red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) – the dark fruit notes enhance the chocolate.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration:

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing:

• Freeze unfilled cupcakes for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then fill and frost before serving.

Reheating:

• If you prefer them slightly warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the ganache.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~280
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	14g
Protein	4g
Sugar	22g
Sodium	120mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Pumpkin Cream Filled Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of rich chocolate and warm autumn spices, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. The moist chocolate cupcake pairs beautifully with the creamy, spiced pumpkin filling, while the glossy chocolate ganache adds a touch of decadence. Whether you’re making these for a fall gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Not only are these cupcakes delicious, but they’re also easy to customize with different toppings and variations. Add a drizzle of caramel, sprinkle with chopped nuts, or experiment with flavored ganache for a unique twist. However you choose to enjoy them, these cupcakes are a festive and delightful treat that brings together the best flavors of the season. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your baking creations with friends and family!