Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of two beloved autumn favorites: the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin and the bold, aromatic essence of a classic latte. These cupcakes capture the essence of a cozy fall morning, combining moist pumpkin-infused cake with a creamy coffee-flavored frosting. Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or as a delightful treat to enjoy with your favorite hot beverage, Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes are both sophisticated and comforting.
1.Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for dusting
- Mini coffee beans
- Chocolate shavings
2.Instructions
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
a. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). – Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease the tin lightly with non-stick spray.
b. Mix Dry Ingredients: – In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
c. Cream Butter and Sugar: – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
d. Add Eggs and Pumpkin: – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. – Mix in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
e. Incorporate Coffee and Vanilla: – Gradually add the cooled brewed coffee and vanilla extract to the batter, mixing until smooth.
f. Combine with Dry Ingredients: – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
g. Fill Cupcake Liners: – Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
h. Bake: – Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
i. Cool: – Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. – Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
2. Prepare the Coffee Buttercream Frosting:
a. Beat Butter: – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
b. Add Powdered Sugar: – Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until well combined.
c. Incorporate Coffee and Vanilla: – Add the cooled brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. – Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of coffee. If too thin, add more powdered sugar as needed.
3. Assemble the Cupcakes:
a. Frosting: – Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip or a butter knife to frost each cupcake generously with the coffee buttercream frosting.
b. Garnish (Optional): – Top each frosted cupcake with a dollop of whipped cream, a light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, a mini coffee bean, or chocolate shavings for added decoration and flavor.
3.Tips for Success
- Moisture Balance: Ensure the brewed coffee is cooled before adding it to the batter to prevent the eggs from scrambling and to maintain the correct texture.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cupcakes during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can lead to dry cupcakes, while underbaking may cause them to collapse.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the amount of coffee in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency. For piping, a slightly stiffer frosting works best, while a softer frosting is ideal for spreading.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra coffee kick, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the frosting or incorporate a splash of your favorite coffee liqueur.
- Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just thaw before serving.
4.Variations
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes:
- Substitute dairy butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of regular eggs.
- Choose a vegan powdered sugar without bone char.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
- Chocolate Swirl:
- Add a swirl of melted semi-sweet chocolate into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.
- Nutty Addition:
- Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Replace the coffee buttercream with a spiced cream cheese frosting by adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and a splash of brewed coffee to a traditional cream cheese frosting.
5.Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Sugars: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
6.Background & Popularity
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes tap into the enduring popularity of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, a seasonal favorite that has become synonymous with autumn. The combination of pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evokes the cozy feelings associated with fall, making these cupcakes a sought-after treat during the season.
The concept of blending coffee flavors with pumpkin allows for a sophisticated twist on traditional pumpkin desserts, appealing to both coffee enthusiasts and pumpkin lovers alike. These cupcakes are celebrated for their moist texture, balanced sweetness, and the harmonious interplay between the spicy pumpkin cake and the creamy coffee-infused frosting.
Their versatility and ease of customization have contributed to their widespread popularity. Whether adorned with simple sprinkles or elaborate decorations, Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes can be tailored to suit various occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant parties. Their ability to pair seamlessly with a morning coffee or as a dessert centerpiece further cements their status as a beloved autumnal indulgence.
read more : Angel Food Cake PanWhether you’re an avid baker looking to expand your seasonal repertoire or someone seeking the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of fall, Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes offer a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. Their rich, comforting flavors and inviting aroma make them an irresistible addition to any dessert collection.