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Pumpkin spice cupcakes for a delicious autumn treat

These delightful pumpkin spice cupcakes are a charming vegetarian treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Combining the warm, nostalgic flavours of pumpkin and fragrant pumpkin pie spice with a light, fluffy cake mix, these cupcakes are perfect for cosy gatherings or a sweet indulgence at home. The addition of buttermilk ensures a moist texture, making each cupcake a comforting delight that evokes fond seasonal memories.

Ideal for family celebrations or afternoon tea, these easy-to-make cupcakes are sure to please both young and old alike. With a modest amount of vegetable oil and eggs, they offer a balance of richness without being overly heavy. Serve them plain or topped with a simple cream cheese frosting for a delightful finishing touch that complements their spiced flavour beautifully.

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Ingredients for Pumpkin spice cupcakes

  • 510 g cake mix (French vanilla or yellow)

  • 240 g canned pumpkin

  • 5 ml pumpkin pie spice

  • 180 ml buttermilk

  • 80 ml vegetable oil

  • 4 large eggs

How to make Pumpkin spice cupcakes

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

  2. Follow the instructions on the box, combining all the ingredients in a large bowl. Substitute buttermilk for the specified water, add the required amount of vegetable oil, and include the eggs.

  3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on a low speed until just moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and continue beating until the mixture is thick, approximately 2 minutes longer.

  4. Spoon half of the batter into a ziplock bag and snip off a 0.5 cm corner. Fill the paper liners two-thirds full with the batter.

  5. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean, 15–20 minutes.

  7. Remove the cupcakes from the baking pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 6 Oct 2025 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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