Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting is a creamy, dreamy topping that adds a touch of fall magic to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more.

With the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves paired with a hint of pumpkin puree, this frosting is as cozy as your favorite autumn sweater. Perfect for holiday baking or any pumpkin spice lover, this frosting is rich, versatile, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re dressing up a cake or adding a seasonal flair to your desserts, this frosting will quickly become a favorite!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup (60g) pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add Pumpkin and Spices: Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Beat on low speed until fully combined.
3. Incorporate the Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
5. Use or Store: Spread or pipe the frosting onto your desired dessert immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Total Time

10 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximately 2 tbsp)

• Calories: 140
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 15mg

Expert Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and pumpkin puree are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sweeteners and spices.
• Test Your Spices: Adjust the spice levels to your liking. For a bolder flavor, add a pinch more cinnamon or cloves.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

Does this frosting pipe well?
Absolutely! This frosting holds its shape well for piping onto cupcakes or other desserts.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting up to 5 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before using.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Let the frosting sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. Re-whip with an electric mixer if needed to restore its creamy texture.

Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
• Spice Blend: Swap the individual spices for 1.5 tsp of pumpkin pie spice.
• Maple Twist: Add 1 tbsp of maple syrup for a sweet, fall-inspired flavor boost.

Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting is a creamy, dreamy topping that adds a touch of fall magic to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. With the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves paired with a hint of pumpkin puree, this frosting is as cozy as your favorite autumn sweater.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Mixing bowl
• - Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• - 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
• - 3 cups 375g powdered sugar, sifted
• - 1/4 cup 60g pumpkin puree
• - 1 tsp vanilla extract
• - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• - Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• **Cream the Butter:** In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
• **Add Pumpkin and Spices:** Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Beat on low speed until fully combined.
• **Incorporate the Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth and creamy.
• **Adjust Consistency:** If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
• **Use or Store:** Spread or pipe the frosting onto your desired dessert immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.