How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes That Taste Like Autumn
The fall season has arrived, and we have the perfect treat for pumpkin spice lovers. Here is a tasty Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcake topped with a delicious cream cheese icing. Pair this with your favorite coffee for a delightful dessert.
Cozy Up With Our Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Recipe
Ready to make this delicious treat? Read on to learn the ingredients, equipment, and steps you need to bring this satisfying dessert to life.
Note: This recipe makes approximately 24 cupcakes.
Ingredients You'll Need
Pumpkin Batter:
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1 1/2 cups flour
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1 cup brown sugar (packed)
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3 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 eggs
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1/2 cup oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for Coffee Batter:
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1 1/2 cups flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 eggs
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1/2 cup oil
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1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee (double coffee, medium-coarse grind, standard amount of water)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing:
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8-ounce cream cheese brick
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1/2 cup butter
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About 4 cups of powdered sugar
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8-ounce cream cheese brick
- 1/2 cup butter
- About 4 cups powdered sugar
Ingredients for Cold Brew Glaze:
- 4 tablespoon cold brew (we used our French Roast)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Ingredients for Cold Brew Glaze:
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4 tablespoons cold brew (we used our French Roast)
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3/4 cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The night before, prepare cold brew coffee for the glaze. Follow our guide to make the perfect brew.
2. When you are ready to make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350°F.
3. Next, prepare the pumpkin batter. Combine dry ingredients and stir together. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients and stir together.
5. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ones, careful not to overmix. Set aside.
6. Now, it is time to prepare the coffee batter.
7. Brew a strong cup of coffee. Double the amount of coffee, use a medium-coarse grind, and maintain a standard amount of water.
8. Combine dry ingredients and stir together. Set aside.
9. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients and stir together.
10. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ones, careful not to overmix. Set aside.
11. Place cupcake liners in the pan.
12. Fill each cupcake liner ⅓ full with pumpkin batter.
13. Top off each cupcake liner with another ⅓ coffee batter. Each cupcake liner should be ⅔ full.
14. Place the cupcake pans in the oven at 350°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. The cupcakes are done when you insert a toothpick, and it comes out clean.
15. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese icing and cold brew glaze.
16. To prepare the cream cheese icing, combine the ingredients with a mixer or spoon.
17. To prepare the cold brew glaze, combine all the ingredients with a whisk.
18. Once the cupcakes are cooled, pipe or spoon the icing onto the cupcakes.
19. Drizzle the cold brew glaze on top of the icing.
20. For a final touch, dust the tops with a bit of cinnamon.
ENJOY!
Why Make a PSL in Cupcake Form?
In the fall, there is no such thing as too much pumpkin spice. There are endless ways to enjoy the flavors of a pumpkin spice latte. This recipe is a decadent and delightful way to celebrate the season and the best flavors it has to offer. The sweet and tangy icing complements the warming flavors in the cupcake, and the duo is topped with a jazzy cold brew drizzle.
Can This Recipe Be Altered To Be Dairy Or Gluten-Free?
Yes! It is easy to make this recipe diary, gluten-free, or both. To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour, such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour. To make the recipe dairy-free, use your favorite plant-based butter and cream cheese. If you do not eat eggs, make flax eggs by combining 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 5 tablespoons of water per egg.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
Follow these kitchen-tested tips to ensure your PSL Cupcakes turn out perfectly!
Use Freshly Brewed Coffee
Fresh coffee adds depth and aroma to the cupcake batter and the glaze.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense instead of fluffy. Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients combine.
Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely
Before icing, ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled. This helps the frosting stay firm and prevents melting.
Adjust the Glaze to Taste
If you prefer a thicker drizzle, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add a bit more cold brew.
Store the Frosting Separately if Preparing Ahead
If you plan to bake the cupcakes ahead of time, refrigerate the frosting and glaze separately, then frost them before serving for the best texture.
What Do Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes Pair Well With?
These pumpkin spice latte cupcakes pair well with our beloved French Roast coffee. The full-bodied, dark roast is made from beans grown in Central and South America, leaving a smoky finish. Available in whole beans, grounds, and OneCUP™ Pods, our French Roast coffee is ready to brew using your favorite method.
For a lighter pairing, try the Bay Bridge Blend, a smooth and balanced roast that highlights nutty and caramel undertones. Or enjoy a morning version with Fog Chaser, a medium-dark roast that delivers bright flavor and a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect match for spiced desserts.
Serving & Storing Suggestions
These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the pumpkin and coffee flavors to shine. Serve them as a festive dessert at fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy weekend brunches.
If storing, keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For the best texture, let them sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving. You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to two months! Simply thaw, frost, and drizzle with glaze when ready to serve.
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Whether you’re brewing a morning cup or baking a festive dessert, our San Francisco Bay Coffee collection offers the perfect blends to enhance every fall recipe. Explore our full lineup of whole beans, grounds, and OneCUP™ Pods to discover your new seasonal favorites. From bold dark roasts to smooth everyday blends, there’s a coffee for every occasion and every baker’s kitchen.