Thanksgiving is the time of year when the air becomes crisp, and the aroma of pumpkin spice wafts through every corner of our homes. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes are the ultimate treat to celebrate the season, combining rich flavors that dance on your palate and a texture so moist it could make even the driest turkey blush. ultimate comfort food pairing perfect side for Thanksgiving Imagine sinking your teeth into these delightful morsels, topped with creamy frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the warm spices.
Every Thanksgiving, I reminisce about my Aunt Marge’s kitchen, where laughter mingled with the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg. She always insisted on making these cupcakes while we played games, turning our family gathering into a sweet celebration filled with joy and deliciousness. delicious seasonal treats Each bite would remind me that holidays are all about bringing people together—and let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to be gathered around a table filled with pumpkiny goodness?
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level in the kitchen. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of warm spices and sweet pumpkin, creating an irresistible dessert. Visually appealing, they look like little works of art topped with swirls of frosting. Plus, they are versatile enough to serve at any festive occasion or cozy gathering throughout fall. [/info_box]
I once made these cupcakes for a potluck, and my friend Josh devoured three in record time, claiming they were better than his grandma’s famous pie!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use this for a balanced base; it’s great for achieving that perfect cupcake texture.
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Canned Pumpkin Puree: Opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree for smoothness; avoid pie filling for best results.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten those cupcakes right up! Adjust based on your preference for sweetness.
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Baking Powder: Essential for fluffiness; ensure it’s fresh for maximum lift in your cupcakes.
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Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices create that quintessential autumn flavor—freshly ground is best!
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Eggs: Use large eggs to bind everything together nicely; they add moisture too.
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Butter: Unsalted butter gives richness; make sure it’s softened before mixing.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds depth; go for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for more flavor.
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Frosting (Cream Cheese or Buttercream): Top with your favorite frosting for an indulgent finish—cream cheese pairs particularly well!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Preheating ensures your cupcakes bake evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until well blended; this will distribute the leavening agent evenly.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the canned pumpkin puree into your wet mixture until fully incorporated—this adds moisture and flavor to your cupcakes.
Fold in Dry Mixture: Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Gently fold them together until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
Bake Them Up: Fill each muffin liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Let these Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting—this prevents melting and ensures that beautiful presentation you’re aiming for! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Recipe recipe.
And there you have it—a simple yet scrumptious recipe guaranteed to impress friends and family alike while filling hearts (and bellies) with warmth this holiday season!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines fall flavors with a moist, fluffy texture. They’re perfect for sharing and can elevate your holiday dessert table with their festive charm. The aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while you mix the dry ingredients first, ensuring proper blending. Then, whisk together the wet ingredients before combining them for a flawless batter.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or cream cheese frosting for a unique twist. You can also substitute the pumpkin with applesauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, but remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh pumpkin puree for richer flavor; canned is fine but fresh is divine! Be cautious not to overmix the batter; it leads to dense cupcakes. Lastly, a toothpick test is crucial; ensure they’re baked perfectly without being dry. [/info_box]
The first time I made Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes, my friends devoured them faster than I could serve! Their laughter and compliments filled my kitchen, reminding me how food brings everyone together. comfort food for the season. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Pumpkin Chili Recipe recipe.

FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes?
Yes, canned pumpkin works well and saves time while maintaining great flavor.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with few crumbs.
What can I substitute for flour in this recipe?
You can use gluten-free flour blends or almond flour for a different texture and flavor.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes are the perfect seasonal treat that embodies the essence of fall. With their moist, fluffy texture and a delightful blend of warm spices, these cupcakes are topped with creamy frosting that adds a touch of sweetness. Ideal for gatherings or cozy evenings at home, they encapsulate the joy of Thanksgiving and make every bite a celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cream cheese or buttercream frosting for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well blended.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fill each muffin liner two-thirds full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg



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