Special Recipes

Best Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting

• September 9, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

FacebookPin

Introduction

Is there anything more comforting than the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin baking? It instantly signals the arrival of cozy sweaters and crisp autumn days. That feeling is exactly what I wanted to capture in these irresistible Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. They are the perfect handheld treat to celebrate the season, and I promise they will become your new fall favorite.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The cupcakes are incredibly moist and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor. The true showstopper is the luxurious frosting because we take a classic cream cheese base and swirl in rich, homemade caramel sauce for a sweet and tangy combination that is absolutely divine. This recipe perfectly aligns with our mission of creating approachable yet impressive desserts that wow a crowd. For another fantastic fall baking project, try our famous Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake. While these cupcakes are a seasonal staple, mastering the art of the perfect frosting is a year-round skill, much like the techniques in our guide to the Perfect Buttercream Frosting. This particular recipe balances simplicity with spectacular results, so it is ideal for both weeknight treats and holiday gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it brings my family together. The moment I start whipping up the batter, my kitchen becomes the heart of the home, filled with laughter and anticipation. That first bite of soft pumpkin cake paired with the silky, caramel-kissed frosting is pure joy. It is more than a dessert because it is a delicious memory in the making, and that is why I love sharing it with you.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting offer a surprising nutritional boost because pumpkin puree is the star ingredient. This puree is packed with vitamin A, which supports your vision and immune system. You also get a good dose of fiber from the pumpkin and any whole wheat flour, so it aids digestion and helps you feel satisfied longer. Although it is a treat, this dessert provides more than just empty calories. The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg contain antioxidants, and these compounds fight inflammation in your body. Even the cream cheese frosting contributes a small amount of calcium and protein. So you can enjoy a delicious Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting while knowing you are giving your body valuable nutrients. The natural sweetness of pumpkin means you can sometimes use less added sugar, which creates a more wholesome dessert. Every bite supports better health because of these powerful ingredients.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting fit perfectly into a balanced diet when you enjoy them mindfully. Consider them a celebratory food rather than an everyday snack, so you can savor the experience without derailing your goals. You can easily adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat. The recipe is also fantastic for meal prepping because you can bake a batch and freeze some for later to avoid unhealthy choices. Pairing one cupcake with a protein source, like a handful of nuts, helps balance your blood sugar. This makes Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting a sustainable part of your routine. Remember, healthy eating includes joy and satisfaction. For more ideas on incorporating treats into your plan, explore our guide on healthy meal prep strategies. It is all about finding a happy and healthy balance.

Print

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

---

• Author: Fiona
• Total Time: 80 mins
• Yield: 16 cupcakes 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Moist, fluffy and tender – these pumpkin cupcakes with caramel cream cheese frosting make for the most delicious fall treat. The cupcakes have a warm pumpkin flavor. Then the caramel cream cheese frosting is creamy, a little tangy and filled with salted caramel sauce.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/3 cup milk (I used 2%)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into about 6 pieces)
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or coarse salt)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened but still firm)
• 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened but still firm)
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) degrees. Line muffin pans with baking papers. This recipe will make about 14-16 cupcakes in total. So I line 1 pan fully and a few papers in the middle of a second pan.
2. In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl whisk together the oil, white sugar, brown sugar and eggs until no lumps remain. Then whisk in the pumpkin until smooth.
4. Whisk about 1/2 of the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture, followed by milk. Then whisk in the rest of the flour mixture until no lumps remain.
5. Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tins so that each muffin paper is filled about 2/3 – 3/4 full. You should end up with about 14-16 cupcakes in total. I do not recommend trying to fit all the batter into 12 cupcakes. Otherwise, they can overflow.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 10-20 minutes, then carefully remove from the pan and continue cooling on a wire rack.
8. Measure out all of your ingredients first so that they're ready to go.
9. Add the sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
10. Heat the sugar while occasionally stirring. It will first form lumps and then melt into a deep amber color.
11. Once the sugar is completely melted and there are no lumps of sugar, add in the butter while whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
12. Once the butter is fully melted and looks incorporated, turn the burner down to a lower setting and whisk in the cream until incorporated. The sauce should look smooth and even in color.
13. Remove from the heat and whisk in the salt. Let the caramel cool fully before using it in the frosting.
14. Beat the butter until smooth.
15. Then mix in the cream cheese. Stop mixing as soon as its combined.
16. Beat in 1 cup powdered sugar. Then beat in 1/2 cup of fully cooled salted caramel sauce. (Note that the recipe for salted caramel sauce above will make about 1 cup in total – make sure you don't add it all into the frosting).
17. Then beat in the rest of the powdered sugar about 1/2 – 1 cup at a time, until the desired sweetness is reached. If needed, beat in 1 tablespoon of cream.
18. Frost the fully cooled cupcakes either with a knife, or transfer to a piping bag and frost. I used a piping bag and a 1M piping tip.
19. Optionally, drizzle the top of each cupcake with more caramel sauce.

Notes

Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting. Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The caramel sauce must be fully cooled before adding to frosting. Store cupcakes in the refrigerator due to cream cheese frosting.

• Prep Time: 60 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 377
• Sugar: 38
• Sodium: 111
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 13
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 1
• Carbohydrates: 48
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 3
• Cholesterol: 65

s-dish">How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

First, preheat your oven and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Meanwhile, whisk your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, spices, and salt—in a medium bowl. In a separate, larger bowl, vigorously cream the butter and sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and pumpkin puree. Gradually add your dry ingredients to this wet mixture, stirring only until the flour streaks disappear. For a speedy cleanup, use a cookie scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the liners. Then, bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting cool completely, make your frosting. Simply beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then incorporate the powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Finally, pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and garnish with an extra caramel swirl.

Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

I have absolutely ruined a batch by frosting these cupcakes while they were still warm; the result was a melted, soupy mess that slid right off. Now, I always practice patience and let them cool on a wire rack. Another common error I made was overmixing the batter, which led to dense, tough cupcakes instead of a light, tender crumb. I learned to gently fold the dry ingredients in until they are just combined. For more tips on getting your frosting just right, check out my guide on common frosting mistakes. Also, if your baked goods often turn out dense, my post on avoiding dense bakes has the solutions you need.

n-and-variations">Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

When you think of autumn, you likely picture the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin baking. This recipe for Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a direct descendant of that tradition, born from the necessity to use up the season’s abundant harvest. Although pumpkin pie is the undisputed monarch of the Thanksgiving table, these handheld treats offer a more personal and shareable celebration of fall. Many families have their own cherished version, often passed down on a stained index card, because it just wouldn’t be a proper harvest festival without them.

The genius combination of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting is a distinctly American innovation, but its roots are global. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg hint at historical trade routes, while the creamy frosting technique has European influences. In some communities, bakers add a pinch of black pepper for warmth, or a splash of bourbon in the caramel for a grown-up twist. Ultimately, these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are a story of adaptation, blending Old World baking wisdom with New World ingredients to create something entirely new and beloved.

How it fits in today’s cooking

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting have secured a permanent spot in modern baking, even though our connection to seasonal harvests has changed. They are a staple at everything from Halloween parties and Thanksgiving feasts to casual weekend gatherings, because they perfectly capture the cozy essence of fall in a single bite. Their enduring popularity proves that some classic flavors are simply timeless.

Today’s home coo

ks are constantly reimagining this dessert to fit dietary needs and creative whims. You can easily find gluten-free or vegan versions that are just as delicious. Some bakers even use the batter to make a stunning layer cake, much like our popular Spice Cake, which shares a similar warm spice profile. For an extra decadent treat, consider filling the cupcakes with a dollop of salted caramel before frosting, creating a surprise in every bite. And if you love the creamy frosting as much as we do, you must try our Cream Cheese Frosting guide for perfect results every time. This constant innovation ensures the recipe remains a fresh and exciting part of our cooking repertoire, season after season.

Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting offer a truly decadent sensory experience. You are first greeted by the warm, fragrant aroma of autumnal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which perfectly complements the sweet, earthy scent of pumpkin. The first bite reveals an incredibly tender and moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth, while the rich pumpkin flavor provides a deep, comforting base. Each forkful is a perfect balance of sweet and spiced, because the cake itself is not overly sugary. Then comes the frosting, a creamy and luxuriously smooth cloud of tangy cream cheese that is masterfully swirled with ribbons of deep, buttery caramel. This combination creates a delightful contrast in every single bite, as the cool, creamy frosting sits atop the warmly spiced and perfectly airy cupcake. The overall texture is a dream, with no single element overpowering another. Ultimately, the magic of these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting lies in this harmonious blend of cozy spice, moist cake, and silky frosting.

You can easily elevate these cupcakes with a few simple tweaks. For an extra textural surprise and a flavor boost, try folding a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking. Although the frosting is already a star, you can drizzle a little extra warm homemade caramel sauce over the top just before serving for a truly gooey and impressive finish. If you want to intensify the warm spices, consider adding a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or a dash of ginger to your spice mix. Another fantastic idea is to use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the cupcake batter, as it introduces a deeper molasses note that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin. For a complementary side, consider serving them with a scoop of our vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful à la mode dessert. Finally, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the frosting beautifully cuts through the sweetness and makes the caramel flavor pop, much like the finishing touch on our favorite salted caramel brownies.

Tips for Success

Best practices for results

Always use room temperature ingredients for your Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting because this ensures a smooth, lump-free batter and a perfectly creamy frosting. Furthermore, be sure to properly measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife, as this prevents dense and dry cupcakes. For the most robust pumpkin flavor, use high-quality pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Finally, allow your cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before you apply the frosting so that the luxurious caramel cream cheese frosting does not melt and slide off.

>Mistakes to avoid

Avoid overmixing your batter once you add the dry ingredients, even though you want a smooth consistency, because overworking the gluten will lead to tough cupcakes. Many bakers also make the error of using cold cream cheese, which inevitably results in a lumpy frosting; therefore, always plan ahead to let your dairy ingredients soften on the counter. Although you might be eager to taste them, do not skip the cooling step for your Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, as applying frosting to warm cupcakes is a common mistake that causes it to become a runny mess. For more guidance on achieving the perfect frosting consistency every time, our detailed guide on common frosting mistakes is an excellent resource. Additionally, if your caramel sauce seizes or becomes grainy, you can often rescue it by gently reheating it with a tablespoon of cream, a technique we explore in our troubleshooting article for fixing broken caramel.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

How to serve this dish

For a truly stunning presentation, serve your Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting on a rustic wooden board or a tiered cake stand. Moreover, a light dusting of cinnamon or a tiny drizzle of extra caramel sauce right before serving adds a beautiful, gourmet touch. These cupcakes are the perfect finale for a holiday feast, but they also shine at casual brunches or as a celebratory treat. Finally, consider topping each one with a single toasted pecan or a sprinkle of crushed gingersnap cookies for extra texture and visual appeal.

What goes well with it

A hot cup of coffee is a classic pairing that cuts through the sweetness of Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting beautifully. Alternatively, a cold glass of milk provides a refreshing contrast that both kids and adults will love. For a more sophisticated dessert course, try serving these cupcakes with a small scoop of our homemade vanilla bean ice cream. Furthermore, if you are planning a larger gathering, these sweet treats pair wonderfully with other autumnal flavors, such as a slice of our popular spiced apple pie, for a delightful dessert spread.