Delightful Small Batch Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert (No Pie Necessary!)

Not a fan of traditional pie, or simply looking for a fresh, fun twist on your Thanksgiving dessert? These delightful Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes are your perfect solution! This small batch recipe offers moist, perfectly spiced pumpkin cupcakes that capture all the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie in a convenient, individual serving. Whether you opt for a classic swirl of creamy cream cheese frosting or get creative by piping them with whipped cream to resemble adorable mini pies, these cupcakes are sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Want to hear something amusing about my family’s Thanksgiving traditions? When it comes to dessert, I’m typically not allowed near the oven. Yes, me, the baker with award-winning recipes, am gently, yet firmly, excluded from the Thanksgiving dessert preparations. The reason? Only one dessert is truly sanctioned: my dad’s pumpkin pie.

My dad takes immense pride in his pumpkin pie. It’s an annual ritual he eagerly anticipates. The week before Thanksgiving, he embarks on his “recipe testing” phase – a tradition that involves baking two entire pumpkin pies. Mind you, this is for a recipe he’s perfected over decades, yet the “testing” must occur! Then, the night before the big feast, he’ll bake another two pies – one to enjoy on Wednesday evening (because who can wait?) and another for the main Thanksgiving meal.

I often playfully ask him why he doesn’t just make a smaller pumpkin pie, especially since many holiday gatherings are for a smaller crowd these days. His response is always the same: “But that’s what the recipe says!” or “Cut it in half? Nah, we’ll eat both pies!” It’s a charming quirk, but it means there’s little room for any other pumpkin-themed treats at the main table.

So, to satisfy my own seasonal cravings and indulge in a bit of baking creativity, I developed these glorious Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes. They’re a revelation – deliciously moist, perfectly spiced small batch pumpkin cupcakes, crowned with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s all the flavor of pumpkin pie, without the argument over who gets the last slice!

This recipe is a delightful adaptation of my popular small pumpkin cake recipe. Both recipes are perfectly portioned and ideal for a Thanksgiving for Two celebration or any smaller gathering where you want a homemade touch without an overwhelming amount of leftovers.

When it comes to frosting these beauties, you have options! Depending on your decorating skill level and preference, you can frost your pumpkin pie cupcake recipe simply with my perfectly portioned small batch cream cheese frosting, or try a warm and inviting cinnamon buttercream for an extra layer of spice. For a truly show-stopping dessert, you can even go all out and decorate them to look exactly like miniature pumpkin pies. Imagine the smiles when your guests see these adorable treats!

However you choose to top them, these incredibly moist and flavorful pumpkin spice cupcakes will make you wonder why you ever bothered with traditional pie in the first place. They offer a delightful texture and a burst of fall flavors in every bite, making them a truly unforgettable holiday treat.

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The Ultimate Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe: Perfect Every Time (+ Troubleshooting Guide)

A fresh baked loaf of Banana Chocolate Chip Bread will fill your kitchen with love (plus four essential troubleshooting tips to bake up the perfect loaf, every single time).

The aroma of freshly baked goods is undeniably comforting, and few scents evoke as much warmth and nostalgia as a loaf of banana bread emerging from the oven. That unmistakable sweet, earthy fragrance wafting through your kitchen instantly signals a treat is on its way. It’s the kind of smell that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and smile, thinking, “Mmm, must be banana bread.”

For me, the scent and taste of banana bread bring back cherished memories of my mother. Though I haven’t baked it as often since moving out, I distinctly remember how much she enjoyed it when I prepared a loaf during my younger years at home. It was a simple pleasure, but one that created a lasting bond over shared moments in the kitchen.

Today, as part of the Holiday Food Party bloggers’ celebration for Mother’s Day, I wanted to honor my mom in the best way I know how: with food. My mother has always appreciated the classics, preferring time-tested recipes over trendy experiments. This is precisely why I dedicate this classic Banana Chocolate Chip Bread to her. It’s a recipe that has been a staple in my repertoire since middle school, and its timeless appeal perfectly captures the enduring love and warmth of family traditions.

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