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Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: The Ultimate Fall Indulgence

Prepare to be captivated by these exquisite Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes. Imagine perfectly moist, tender pumpkin cupcakes crowned with a cloud of silky smooth buttercream frosting, generously infused with the delightful warmth of Baileys Pumpkin Spice. This recipe transforms classic fall flavors into an unforgettable adult treat, perfect for any seasonal celebration or cozy evening in.

Last autumn, this sensational recipe made a splash within our vibrant Instagram community, earning rave reviews and countless recreate attempts. While many of you have already experienced the magic, it’s high time this decadent creation received its rightful place here on the blog. This frosting, my friends, is simply too magnificent to keep from our blog-only followers! The combination of a beloved dessert and a sophisticated adult beverage creates a symphony of flavors that is truly in a league of its own. It’s an indulgence that promises to elevate your autumn baking to a whole new level, proving that some delights are simply too good to be missed.

The Foundation: Our Beloved Classic Pumpkin Cupcakes

The journey to these exceptional cupcakes begins with a time-honored base: our classic pumpkin cupcake recipe, a cherished staple from 2011. This recipe has stood the test of time for a reason, proving itself to be a consistently moist, tender, and perfectly spiced cupcake that wins over even the most hesitant pumpkin eaters. Its secret lies in the careful balance of spices – cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg – which impart a warm, inviting aroma and flavor without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the pumpkin.

Achieving the perfect pumpkin cupcake is simpler than you might think. We use a combination of granulated and brown sugars to ensure a rich, deep flavor profile that complements the earthy notes of pumpkin puree. Room temperature butter and eggs are crucial for creating a smooth, emulsified batter, leading to an incredibly fine crumb texture. When mixing, gently alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk, scraping down the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly combined without overmixing, which can lead to tough cupcakes. The pumpkin puree is then folded in, adding natural moisture and that signature autumnal hue. This foundational recipe yields cupcakes that are not just delicious, but also sturdy enough to hold a generous swirl of luscious buttercream, making them the ideal canvas for our Baileys-infused masterpiece.

The Star: Irresistible Baileys Pumpkin Spice Buttercream

While the pumpkin cupcakes are undeniably delicious, the true showstopper here is the buttercream frosting. This is a classic “American” style buttercream, renowned for its simplicity and incredibly creamy texture. Made with a combination of butter and confectioners’ sugar, it’s a dream to whip up and delivers that familiar, satisfying sweetness that everyone adores. But what truly sets this frosting apart is the generous splash of Baileys Pumpkin Spice. This delightful liqueur doesn’t just add a boozy kick; it infuses the buttercream with a complex blend of pumpkin, warm cinnamon, smooth vanilla, and a subtle hint of coffee – truly embodying all the beloved flavors of the fall season in every single bite.

Creating this silky-smooth buttercream is straightforward. Start with room temperature butter for the best consistency, ensuring it whips up light and fluffy. Gradually incorporating the confectioners’ sugar, alternating with the Baileys Pumpkin Spice, helps prevent a gritty texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The key to its luxurious silkiness is a final few minutes of mixing on low speed, which thoroughly aerates the frosting and eliminates any remaining lumps. The Baileys not only contributes its signature flavor profile but also aids in achieving a wonderfully smooth, spreadable consistency, making it a joy to pipe onto your freshly baked cupcakes. This frosting isn’t just an addition; it’s an experience, transforming a simple pumpkin cupcake into an elegant dessert that’s bursting with autumnal charm and a delightful adult twist.

Elevating Presentation: Decorating Your Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

The visual appeal of a cupcake is almost as important as its taste, and these Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes offer a fantastic opportunity for creative and elegant decoration. We recommend a two-tiered piping approach for a truly show-stopping look. Begin by using a large round tip to pipe a flat, even circle of frosting onto the cooled cupcake. This initial layer provides a perfect adhesive base for your next decorative element. Once piped, gently roll the edges of this frosting layer in finely chopped pecans. The pecans not only add a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor but also create a beautiful, rustic border that enhances the autumnal theme.

For the grand finale, switch to a large star tip and pipe a whimsical, frilly swirl of frosting on top of the pecan-coated base. This creates height and visual interest, making each cupcake a miniature work of art. To add a touch of dramatic flair and an aromatic finish, adorn each cupcake with a whole cinnamon stick. This simple garnish elevates the presentation significantly, hinting at the warm spices within. Remember, the beauty of baking lies in the details. As you finish piping and decorating, don’t forget the ultimate baker’s reward: a spoonful (or perhaps a discreet lick) of any leftover frosting in the bowl – a little sweet treat just for you! These cupcakes are designed to impress, from their first glance to their very last bite.

Why These Cupcakes Are Your New Fall Favorite

These Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. They perfectly encapsulate the spirit of autumn, blending the comforting warmth of pumpkin and spices with the sophisticated creaminess of Baileys. Whether you’re hosting a festive fall gathering, planning a cozy Thanksgiving dessert spread, or simply seeking a delightful adult treat to enjoy by the fire, these cupcakes are an absolute must-try. Their unique flavor profile makes them a standout, offering a luxurious twist on a classic seasonal favorite. The combination of moist cake, spiced liqueur, and rich buttercream creates a harmonious symphony of tastes that will leave everyone reaching for more. They’re easy enough for a weeknight indulgence but elegant enough for a special occasion. Embrace the flavors of the season and discover why these Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are destined to become your go-to fall dessert.

We invite you to gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite autumn playlist, and immerse yourself in the joy of creating these delightful treats. The aroma alone will fill your home with warmth and happiness, and the taste will transport you to a world of cozy comfort. Don’t hesitate to share your creations with us online, and be sure to savor every single bite!

Print Recipe

Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Rated: 5 from 5 reviews

Moist pumpkin cupcakes topped with silky smooth buttercream frosting spiked with a splash of Baileys Pumpkin Spice, creating an irresistible fall treat.

Author: Carrie Sellman
Yield: 30 Cupcakes
Category: Dessert, Cupcakes, Fall

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cupcakes:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups pumpkin puree

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup salted butter, room temperature
½ cup Baileys Pumpkin Spice
4 cups confectioners’ sugar

For the Assembly:

chopped pecans, optional
whole cinnamon sticks, optional

Instructions

Make the Pumpkin Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line muffin pans with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Gently fold in the pumpkin puree until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Fill the prepared cupcake liners approximately 2/3 full with batter.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin pans for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial before frosting.
Once cupcakes are completely cool, they are ready to be topped with the delicious Baileys Pumpkin Spice frosting.

Make the Frosting:

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature unsalted and salted butter. Beat on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
Pour in the ½ cup of Baileys Pumpkin Spice and one cup of the confectioners’ sugar. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase speed to medium until smooth.
Gradually add the remaining confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed.
Once all sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to the lowest setting and beat for an additional 5 minutes. This extended mixing time will make the frosting incredibly silky smooth and wonderfully creamy.

To Assemble Cupcakes:

Using a large round piping tip, pipe a uniform circle of frosting onto the cooled pumpkin cupcake, covering the top surface.
Gently roll the edges of the frosted cupcake in chopped pecans to create a beautiful, nutty border.
Switch to a large star piping tip and pipe a decorative swirl of frosting on top of the pecan-coated base to finish the cupcake.
For an added touch of elegance and aroma, adorn each cupcake with a whole cinnamon stick, if desired.

Notes

Store these delectable cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the best flavor and texture, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
For make-ahead convenience, bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted at room temperature in an airtight container. Prepare the frosting fresh on the day of assembly.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THESE FALL FAVORITES:
Pumpkin Spice Cake
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
Pumpkin Tiramisu Cake
Pumpkin Spice Free Printable