These Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes are the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and comforting pumpkin spice. Moist, chocolatey, and topped with a luscious pumpkin cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes make for an irresistible dessert during the fall season or any time you’re craving something sweet. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for impressing your guests at any gathering or enjoying on a cozy afternoon.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of chocolate and pumpkin, these cupcakes are the perfect marriage of both worlds. The rich cocoa and pumpkin spice flavors meld together beautifully, and the creamy, tangy frosting adds just the right finishing touch. They are easy to prepare, with a smooth, velvety texture that’s both indulgent and comforting. Plus, the pumpkin cream cheese frosting is simply divine, elevating each bite into something truly special. These cupcakes are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or as a delightful treat any day of the week!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes:

¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) granulated white sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
1 egg yolk, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
¼ cup (62 g) sour cream, at room temperature
½ cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (30 g) black cocoa powder, sifted
2 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

For the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting:

½ cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree, dried to ¼ cup (45 g)
1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cold
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3 cups (390 g) powdered sugar, sifted

Tip: For full ingredient measurements and a detailed list, check the recipe card below.

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes). Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the milk, sour cream, and pumpkin puree until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, black cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth. Be sure not to overmix.
Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 17-19 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. First, dry out the pumpkin puree by spreading it on a plate with paper towels to remove excess moisture until you have ¼ cup of dry pumpkin. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5-10 minutes. Add the cold cream cheese and mix until fully combined. Then add the dried pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and mix again. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cupcake.
Serve
Serve immediately, or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy cream cheese and milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Add-ins: For added texture and flavor, you can fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
Toppings: Top the cupcakes with candied pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra crunch and flavor.

Heating/Storage

Storage: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave individual cupcakes for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of flour for these cupcakes?
Yes, you can use all-purpose gluten-free flour if you prefer a gluten-free version.

2. How do I know when my cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, the cupcakes are done.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes and frosting ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble right before serving.

4. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cupcakes for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.

5. Can I add more pumpkin spice to the cupcakes?
You can increase the amount of pumpkin spice to suit your personal taste, but I recommend not going over 3 teaspoons to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

6. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.

7. How do I make the frosting less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add more cream cheese or pumpkin puree for a creamier, less sugary taste.

8. Can I use store-bought frosting?
While homemade frosting is best for flavor, store-bought cream cheese frosting can be a convenient substitute in a pinch.

9. What should I do if my frosting is too runny?
If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

10. How can I make these cupcakes vegan?
To make these cupcakes vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese, and replace the milk with a plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes are the ultimate fall treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the warmth of pumpkin spice. The moist cupcakes paired with creamy pumpkin cream cheese frosting make for a dessert that is not only delicious but visually stunning as well. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with everyone!