Pumpkin Apple Cupcakes for Fall

Updated on: October 3, 2025

Pumpkin Apple Cupcakes for Fall topped with cream cheese frosting and fondant pumpkins on a marble surface, styled as a cozy autumn dessert for Thanksgiving.

Table of Contents

Moist, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet

Fall baking is all about cozy flavors, and these Pumpkin Apple Cupcakes bring the season straight into your kitchen. Imagine the warmth of spiced pumpkin cupcakes paired with juicy apple chunks, topped with a dreamy frosting that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re preparing homemade pumpkin cupcakes for a family get-together, planning a batch of easy fall sweet treats for Thanksgiving, or want a quick dessert to enjoy with coffee, this recipe fits the occasion. Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. These pumpkin cupcake recipes are the kind of treats that make fall feel special, simple, cozy, and absolutely delicious.

Pumpkin cupcakes topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and decorated with mini fondant pumpkins, styled on a marble surface for a cozy fall dessert.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients List

1 cup canned pumpkin purée

1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced

2 large eggs

½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

¼ tsp cloves

¼ tsp salt

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

Muffin tin
Cupcake liners
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Whisk or electric mixer
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Gently stir in the diced apple pieces.

Spoon batter evenly into the lined cupcake tin, filling about ¾ full.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely on a rack before frosting with your favorite topping, such as cream cheese frosting, cinnamon glaze, or maple buttercream. All pairs beautifully.

Moist pumpkin apple cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting and fondant pumpkins, festive fall dessert for Thanksgiving and autumn baking.

Frosting Ideas for Pumpkin Cupcakes

Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
Mix 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla. Smooth and tangy.
Maple Buttercream Frosting
Beat ½ cup butter, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp milk until fluffy. Sweet with autumn flavor.
Cinnamon Glaze
Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp cinnamon until pourable. Drizzle over cooled cupcakes.
Whipped Vanilla Frosting
Beat 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form. Light and airy topping.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Apple Cupcakes are the ultimate fall baking recipe, moist, spiced, and full of seasonal flavor. Whether you choose cream cheese, maple buttercream, or a simple cinnamon glaze, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your table. Perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a sweet autumn treat.

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