5 Easy Thanksgiving Cupcake Recipes with Autumn Flavors – Perfect for Holiday Parties!
These festive autumn cupcakes will be the highlight of your holiday table with warm spices, seasonal flavors, and easy-to-follow steps.
Whether you're hosting a cozy family gathering or a large holiday party, these 5 easy Thanksgiving cupcake recipes will delight your guests with their autumnal flavors and charming presentations. From spiced pumpkin to sweet potato caramel, each variation showcases seasonal ingredients and festive toppings perfect for fall celebrations.
With detailed instructions, helpful baking tips, and creative decoration ideas, even beginners can create these showstopping desserts. The recipes use accessible ingredients and simple techniques, making them ideal for last-minute bakers or those with limited kitchen space.
The maple pecan recipe featured here serves as the foundation, with variations included for other autumn flavors. Silk-smooth buttercream and decorative sprinkles add festive flair, while the step-by-step photos ensure perfect results every time.
These cupcakes make excellent party favors, dessert tables, or festive additions to Thanksgiving desserts. Store recipes in your Pinterest collection for an effortless holiday dessert solution that guests will request year after year.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups powdered sugar for buttercream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter for buttercream
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Orange food coloring (optional)
- Autumn-themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12-count cupcake pan with liners. Tip: Use a ruler to fill batter to 2/3 full for even baking.
- In large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in maple syrup.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to butter mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Fold in pecans and 1/2 tsp maple flavoring.
- Divide batter into prepared cups. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden and spring back when touched.
- For buttercream, beat powdered sugar, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and cream until smooth. Add orange coloring for autumn hue.
- Once cooled, pipe buttercream onto cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles (see decoration tips below).
Maple Pecan Cupcakes
Festive autumn flavor with rich maple buttercream
Ingredients
- - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - 1/2 tsp baking soda
- - 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
- - 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- - 1 cup brown sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1/2 cup maple syrup
- - 1/2 cup milk
- - 1/2 cup pecans
- - 2 cups powdered sugar
- - 4 tbsp butter for frosting
Instructions
Prepare Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F and line cupcake pans with liners.
💡 Use a ruler to measure batter for even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
💡 Measure ingredients precisely for recipe success.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and brown sugar until light. Add eggs and maple syrup.
💡 Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
Alternate Mixtures: Add flour mixture and milk alternately to wet ingredients.
💡 Undermix to avoid tough cupcakes.
Bake: Pour batter into pans and bake 15-18 minutes.
💡 Test with toothpick for doneness.
Make Frosting: Beat powdered sugar, butter, pumpkin spice, and cream until smooth.
💡 Add orange coloring for autumn hue.
Decorate: Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and add decorations.
💡 Use a coupler for even frosting.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Maple Syrup
Adds depth and natural sweetness characteristic of autumn dessert flavors.
Substitute: Brown rice syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.
Pecans
Provide rich, buttery contrast to the maple glaze. Toast for extra flavor.
Substitute: Walnuts or cashews if needed.
Baking Powder
Ensures cupcakes achieve their signature light and airy texture.
Substitute: Baking soda with additional acid in the recipe.
Powdered Sugar
Creates silky smooth frosting perfect for piping detailed decorations.
Substitute: Granulated sugar (must be sifted multiple times).
💡 Perfect Frosting Consistency
For ideal piping, refrigerate buttercream for 30 minutes before use. The chilled frosting holds its shape better and decorates cupcakes more precisely.
🍂 Autumn Color Tips
Mix orange and brown food coloring together for rich maple hues. Start with 3-4 drops total, adding in small amounts until desired shade is reached.
❄️ Make Ahead Advice
Bake and freeze completely cooled cupcakes for up to 3 months. Frosting should be applied no more than 24 hours before serving to maintain moist crumb.
🎨 Decoration Ideas
Use autumn-themed decorations like small leaves, acorns, or cinnamon-colored edible dust for a 3D festive look that stands out on dessert tables.
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes
Replace 1/2 cup flour with pumpkin pie spice. Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree to batter. Pair with cream cheese frosting for classic holiday flavor.
Cranberry Orange Cupcakes
Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1 tsp orange zest to batter. Frost with orange glaze made with powdered sugar, zest, and juice for tart-sweet contrast.
Sweet Potato Caramel Cupcakes
Incorporate 1/2 cup sweet potato puree for moist texture. Replace maple glaze with salted caramel frosting made from heavy cream, brown sugar, and real butter.
Apple Cider Cupcakes
Substitute milk with apple cider for deep autumn flavor. Add 1/2 cup chopped apples and serve with cinnamon-spiced buttercream for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Warm spiced apple cider with cinnamon sticks
- Traditional Thanksgiving pies for dessert contrast
- Mini savory quiches for complete dessert table
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Serve with a rich port wine or pumpkin spice latte. For non-alcoholic options, pair with cranberry-orange mocktail or maple latte.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Bake cupcakes and store in airtight container for 2-3 days. Frosting can be made 1 day in advance and stored in refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage
Frosted cupcakes last 3 days in refrigerator. Store in single layers separated by parchment paper.
Freezer Storage
Unfrosted cupcakes freeze for 3 months. Wrap in plastic and aluminum foil for best results. Thaw before adding frosting.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat 1-2 cupcakes at 250°F for 15 minutes. Do not use microwave to maintain texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Cupcakes too dry?
A: Reduce oven temperature by 25°F and check for doneness 4 minutes early. Underbaking prevents dryness.
Q: Frosting too thin?
A: Chill frosting container in refrigerator 1 hour. For extra thick texture, add 1-2 tsp powdered sugar at a time until desired consistency.
Q: Frosting not staying on cupcakes?
A: Cupcakes may be too moist. Tap gently to dry tops before frosting. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
Q: How to store frosted cupcakes?
A: Store at room temperature for 1 day only when frosted. Refrigerate for up to 2 days in a closed container.
Final Thoughts
These easy Thanksgiving cupcakes prove holiday baking doesn't have to be complicated. With just 5 simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create showstopping desserts that capture autumn's essence while providing festive options for your guests.
The maple pecan recipe serves as your starting point, but the 4 additional variations open doors for endless creativity. Whether you're experimenting with new flavor combinations or sticking to classic favorites, these recipes offer something for every holiday taste preference. With make-ahead directions and easy storage tips, you can stress less and enjoy more when preparing for family gatherings.
