31 Fall Cupcake Recipes That Taste as Good as They Look
Cozy spices, caramel, and coffee flavors included.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Come fall, there's never a shortage of sweet treats—from hauntingly delicious Halloween cakes to apple cinnamon sweets and holiday pies. But if you want to try something unexpected this season, whip up a batch of these fall cupcakes! Last-minute bake sales are no match for these easy, perfectly-portioned desserts, but they're also impressive enough to bring along to any themed Halloween party or add to your table of Thanksgiving desserts. Cupcakes aren't just for the kiddos—adults will love these fun fall desserts, too!
Beyond how good they taste, the best thing about these cupcakes is just how easy they are. Baking and frosting a batch of cupcakes is so much simpler than making a big layered cake! Many of the recipes found here even start with a box of cake mix. Grab a box of devil's food cake mix and whip up the frighteningly festive ghost cupcakes complete with chocolate chip "eyes" for a Halloween dessert. Or lean into the cozy flavors of fall all season long with caramel apple cupcakes drizzled in caramel sauce. Coffee desserts are some of Ree Drummond's favorites and you'll find plenty here, from mocha cupcakes to caramel macchiato cupcakes. And don't worry PSL fans; there's pumpkin desserts on this list too. Get the kids involved in baking and decorating these cupcakes. It's such a fun fall activity that tastes delicious, too!
Mocha Cupcakes
Autumn practically begs for rich, chocolatey treats. Add coffee to the mix and they get even better. These cupcakes have a deep mocha flavor and the most decadent frosting, made with coffee extract and a spoonful of instant espresso powder for extra oomph.
Get Ree's Mocha Cupcakes recipe.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Ree is head-over-heels devoted to her mom's friend Sigrid's carrot cake. Ever since that first glorious bite as a kid, she's never been the same. Recently, Ree gave the classic recipe a little twist and turned it into cupcakes. They’re full of warm spices, topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting, and perfect for crisp afternoons when you're craving something sweet.
Champagne Cupcakes
Any fall gathering becomes a celebration when champagne cupcakes are on the table. The bubbles are baked right into the batter and whipped into the frosting. Bonus: They start with a box of cake mix, so they come together in no time.
Get the Champagne Cupcakes recipe.
Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Caramel and apple are the ultimate fall duo. These cupcakes get their flavor from apple cider and caramel sauce blended right into the frosting. Save a little extra caramel to drizzle over the top!
Get Ree's Caramel Apple Cupcakes recipe.
Ghost Cupcakes
These are scary good! Pillowy frosting becomes little ghosts with help from a piping bag, and mini chocolate chips make the cutest eyes. They're a must for any Halloween party.
Get the Ghost Cupcakes recipe.
Dr Pepper Cupcakes
The Drummonds love Dr Pepper, and it's the surprise ingredient in these fun fall cupcakes. The soda gives the batter a hint of spice and a rich flavor. They're especially fun to bake with kids.
Get Ree's Dr Pepper Cupcakes recipe.
Cookies 'n' Creme Cupcakes
This sweet treat comes straight from The Mercantile. The combo of crushed cookies and fluffy vanilla frosting is nostalgic in the best way. A perfect fall bake when you want something classic!
Get Ree's Cookies 'n' Creme Cupcakes recipe.
S’mores Cupcakes with Nutella
Campfire season, meet your new favorite dessert. These cupcakes have a graham cracker crust, Nutella center, and toasted marshmallow topping. They’re extra rich and just right for chilly nights.
Get the S’mores Cupcakes with Nutella recipe at Butter Be Ready.
Chocolate Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream
Fall baking is practically made for deep and cozy flavors like chocolate and coffee. These cupcakes are rich and fudgy with a creamy espresso buttercream that tastes like a warm latte.
Get the Chocolate Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream at Britney Breaks Bread.
Hummingbird Cupcakes
With bananas, pineapple, cinnamon, and coconut, these cupcakes are packed with Southern flavor. They make your kitchen smell amazing while they bake and taste even better with a dollop of cream cheese frosting.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes
Chocolate, bourbon, and pecan pie filling all in one cupcake? Yes, please. These are perfect for fall holidays and finished with a swirl of butter pecan frosting that takes them over the top.
Get the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
To make these cupcakes light and airy, sour cream is added to the batter. But don't worry, there's plenty of warming spices too.
Get the Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe at Mama Needs Cake.
Maple Bacon Cupcakes
The combination of maple and bacon is a match made in heaven. And when you pair it with a tangy cream cheese frosting, it's something completely unique.
Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
You'll love the pairing of chai and pumpkin flavors in these delicious cupcakes. The chai sugar coating on top can't be beat!
Get the Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting recipe at Half-Baked Harvest.
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Use jarred apple pie filling and pre-made cinnamon rolls for these super easy cupcakes.
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Candy Corn Buttercream
These adorable candy corn-inspired cupcakes are the perfect way to welcome the fall season!
Get the Pumpkin Cupcakes with Candy Corn Buttercream recipe at Grandbaby Cakes.
Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes
Caramel is a classic fall flavor, and it can never hurt to pair it with a bit of chocolate. You'll also be obsessed with this espresso buttercream.
Get the Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes recipe.
Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Love sweet potato pie? Then you'll surely enjoy these fluffy cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting and a caramel drizzle.
Get the Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe at Broma Bakery.
Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
These cupcakes are like a little taste of fall. With fresh apples, rich caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg, there's so much to love!
Get the Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction.
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin purists will love these simple cupcakes made with a can of cooked pumpkin. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is just as yummy and easy to make.
Get the Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting recipe at Chelsea's Messy Apron.
Grandma’s Best Desserts Will Take You Way Back
The Sweetest Tailgate Desserts to End Game Day
Chocolate Buttercream
Coconut Lovers Will Go Nuts for These Desserts
