Go Back
Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes for Fall

Melena
These Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes are the ultimate fall dessert. Moist, fluffy, and full of cozy pumpkin spice and rich cocoa flavor, they are perfect for cool days, gatherings, or a comforting treat at home. Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Sugar
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • Wet Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Mix-Ins
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients
  • In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Combine and Fold
  • Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
  • Fill and Bake
  • Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and Frost
  • Cool cupcakes in pan for a few minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
  • Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes light and fluffy
  • Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look
  • Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
  • Frosting Ideas:
    • Cream cheese frosting for a classic fall pairing
    • Chocolate ganache for extra indulgence
    • A dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish