Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes With Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

The Perfect Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes With Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

My recent obsession with pumpkin latte cupcakes sparked a delightful kitchen adventure that blends cozy autumn flavors into a mouthwatering treat.

Crisp leaves and cool breezes inspired this delectable dessert perfect for afternoon gatherings.

Warm spices dance through each fluffy bite, creating a nostalgic experience that feels like a comforting hug.

Classic ingredients come together in unexpected ways, promising a sensational twist on traditional cupcake recipes.

Sweet cinnamon brown sugar frosting adds a luxurious finish that makes these cupcakes irresistible.

Baking these little wonders will fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma that beckons everyone closer.

Prepare to delight your taste buds with a recipe that captures the essence of fall in every single crumb.

Cupcakes That Pack a Pumpkin Latte Punch

  • Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with these delectable pumpkin-infused cupcakes that bring warmth and comfort to your taste buds.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these cupcakes effortlessly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Flavor Explosion: Experience a perfect blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that create a rich, aromatic taste profile that'll make everyone ask for seconds.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to a special dessert that combines the beloved latte flavors with a classic cupcake.

Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fine white powder perfect for cake texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening power.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
Spice Blend:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create classic pumpkin flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist and tender cupcake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure.
  • Brewed Coffee: Deepens rich pumpkin flavor.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Signature ingredient with authentic autumn taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm background note.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creamy base for smooth frosting.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel undertones.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to frosting.
  • Milk: Helps adjust frosting thickness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Frosting Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your muffin tin and line it with cute cupcake papers, creating a cozy home for your soon-to-be delicious treats.

Step 2: Create the Dry Ingredient Magic

Whisk together in a bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Cloves
  • Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredient Symphony

In a separate large bowl, blend together:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Brewed coffee
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and harmonious.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender and light.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key for perfect frosting.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting

Beat together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Celebrate

Generously spread the cinnamon brown sugar frosting over the cooled cupcakes. Enjoy your delectable pumpkin latte cupcakes with a triumphant smile!

Cupcake Tips with Pumpkin Latte and Cinnamon Frosting

  • Brew Coffee Magic: Use freshly brewed coffee at room temperature for deeper flavor complexity in your cupcakes.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined to keep cupcakes tender and light.
  • Perfect Moisture Check: Insert a toothpick into cupcake center – if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, they're perfectly baked.
  • Frosting Consistency Tip: Add milk gradually to achieve smooth, spreadable frosting that isn't too runny or stiff.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Bake cupcakes a day ahead and store in an airtight container to enhance flavor development.

Best Way to Store Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from sticking.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Allow frosted cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes Flavor Pairings

  • Pair with Spiced Chai Tea: The warm, aromatic spices in chai complement the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience that elevates the cupcake's richness.
  • Serve with Caramel Macchiato: The sweet, buttery caramel notes blend perfectly with the coffee-infused cupcake, adding depth and a luxurious touch to each bite.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla provides a smooth contrast to the warm spices, balancing the cupcake's intense flavors and offering a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Accompany with Spiced Mulled Wine: The robust, wine-based drink with hints of cinnamon and cloves mirrors the cupcake's seasonal spice profile, making it an elegant adult pairing.

Pumpkin Latte Cupcake Frosting Twists

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and replace milk with almond milk in the frosting.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter alternative for frosting and swap regular milk with oat milk or coconut milk.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free powdered sugar substitute in the frosting for a reduced-calorie version.

FAQs

  • What are the key spices in these cupcakes?

The key spices are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, which give the cupcakes a warm, aromatic fall flavor profile that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

  • Can I make these cupcakes without coffee?

While brewed coffee enhances the depth of flavor, you can substitute it with milk or water if you prefer a non-coffee version. The coffee is optional and won’t significantly impact the cupcake’s texture.

  • How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cupcakes are fully baked. They should also have a slightly golden top and spring back when lightly touched.

  • What makes the frosting unique?

The brown sugar in the frosting adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon, creating a more complex and layered frosting compared to traditional vanilla buttercream.

Print
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Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes With Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes With Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Seasonal “pumpkin latte cupcakes” blend autumn’s warmest coffee and spice flavors into delightful handheld treats. Silky cinnamon brown sugar frosting crowns these irresistible cupcakes, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of comforting harvest happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with delicate paper liners, ensuring each cup is perfectly nestled.
  2. Create a harmonious dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, leavening agents, aromatic spices, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
  3. In a separate vessel, orchestrate a smooth liquid symphony combining oil, granulated sweetener, eggs, brewed coffee, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until the texture becomes uniform and velvety.
  4. Tenderly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the liquid base, stirring gently to maintain the batter’s delicate structure, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Distribute the batter with precision among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full for optimal rising.
  6. Transfer the filled tin to the preheated oven, allowing the cupcakes to bake for 18-20 minutes until a slender toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes rest, allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack, releasing their enticing autumn-inspired aroma.
  8. For the frosting, cream softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth foundation.
  9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, milk, and vanilla extract, whipping the mixture until it reaches a luxurious, pillowy consistency.
  10. Using a piping bag or spatula, lavish the cooled cupcakes with the decadent cinnamon brown sugar frosting, creating elegant swirls of sweet perfection.

Notes

  • Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
  • Replace brewed coffee with milk or apple cider for a non-caffeinated version that still delivers rich autumn flavors.
  • Use dairy-free butter alternatives and plant-based milk to create a vegan-friendly dessert that maintains the warm, spicy profile of the original recipe.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish that showcases the delicate cinnamon brown sugar topping.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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