23 Holiday Cupcake Recipes Perfect for Thanksgiving Day

These festive cupcake recipes bring autumn flavors and holiday spirit to your Thanksgiving dessert table. From pumpkin spice to apple cider, each recipe captures seasonal ingredients.

Whether you prefer classic fall flavors or creative twists, these cupcakes offer something special for every guest at your holiday celebration.

01. Spiced Chai Tea Cupcakes

This version uses warm chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger with black tea-infused batter. The aromatic spices create a cozy fall flavor profile.

The tea concentrate adds deep flavor while keeping the cupcakes moist. A cream cheese frosting complements the warm spice blend perfectly.

Perfect for chai lovers who want something different from traditional pumpkin desserts. These take standard baking time with impressive results.

02. Classic Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

These autumn favorites combine pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in tender cake batter. Cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.

The pumpkin keeps these cupcakes incredibly moist while spices create that classic fall taste. This method works with canned or fresh pumpkin puree.

Great for PSL enthusiasts who want bakery-quality results at home. You can make these a day ahead for busy holiday schedules.

03. Bailey’s Irish Cream Cupcakes

This boozy version uses Bailey’s Irish Cream in both the batter and frosting for adult holiday parties. The liqueur adds rich, creamy flavor without overpowering sweetness.

The alcohol bakes out mostly, leaving behind smooth vanilla and cream notes. Bailey’s buttercream frosting creates an elegant finishing touch.

Perfect for grown-up Thanksgiving celebrations where you want something special. These work great as an after-dinner treat with coffee.

04. Cinnamon Roll Inspired Cupcakes

These cupcakes capture cinnamon roll flavors with brown sugar, butter, and plenty of cinnamon swirled throughout. A cinnamon syrup adds extra moisture and flavor.

The swirling technique creates beautiful marbled patterns and ensures cinnamon in every bite. Cream cheese frosting mimics classic cinnamon roll icing.

This method takes a bit more time but creates bakery-style results. Great for weekend baking when you want something extra special.

05. Apple Cider Cupcakes

This fall recipe uses reduced apple cider, dark brown sugar, and warm spices for authentic autumn flavor. The cider reduction concentrates the apple taste beautifully.

Reducing the cider creates intense apple flavor without adding too much liquid to the batter. This technique ensures the apple taste really shines through.

Perfect for apple lovers who want something beyond traditional apple pie. These use common pantry ingredients for budget-friendly holiday baking.

06. Champagne Celebration Cupcakes

These elegant cupcakes start with white cake mix enhanced with champagne for a light, bubbly flavor. The champagne adds subtle sophistication to simple ingredients.

The bubbles in champagne help create a tender crumb while adding delicate flavor. Champagne buttercream frosting continues the celebratory theme.

Great for special occasions when you want something festive but not too complicated. Perfect for New Year’s or anniversary celebrations too.

07. Pecan Pie Flavored Cupcakes

This version captures pecan pie flavors using just six simple ingredients including brown sugar, pecans, and corn syrup. The filling tastes like traditional pecan pie.

A gooey pecan topping sits on vanilla cupcakes, creating the classic pie experience in cupcake form. This method is easier than making actual pie.

Perfect for Thanksgiving when you want pie flavors without the fuss. You can assemble these quickly on the holiday morning.

08. Sweet Potato Cupcakes

These cupcakes transform leftover sweet potatoes into moist, spiced mini cakes with cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and beautiful color.

Roasted sweet potatoes work better than canned, creating deeper flavor and better texture. This approach puts holiday leftovers to delicious use.

Great for using up extra sweet potatoes from your Thanksgiving feast. These freeze well for enjoying throughout the holiday season.

09. Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes

This decadent version combines rich chocolate cake with hazelnut liqueur and Nutella frosting. The hazelnut liqueur adds sophisticated depth to chocolate flavor.

The secret is using both cocoa powder and melted chocolate for intense chocolate taste. Nutella frosting creates an irresistible finishing touch.

Perfect for chocolate lovers who want something extra special for holidays. These work great for adult parties or romantic dinners.

10. Loaded Everything Cupcakes

These over-the-top cupcakes pack multiple candies, chocolates, and sweet toppings into one indulgent treat. Perfect for serious sweet tooth cravings during holidays.

The base is simple vanilla or chocolate, letting the crazy toppings shine. This method lets you use up leftover Halloween or holiday candy.

Great for kids’ tables or when you want to go completely overboard. These work well for casual family gatherings with a sense of humor.

11. Almond Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream

These elegant cupcakes feature almond extract in tender cake topped with salted caramel buttercream frosting. The almond and caramel combination tastes sophisticated and rich.

Adding caramel sauce directly to the batter creates extra flavor and moisture. The salted caramel frosting balances sweetness with a hint of salt.

Perfect for impressing family and friends at holiday gatherings. The flavors work beautifully with coffee or champagne for adult celebrations.

12. Plant-Based Vegan Cupcakes

These vegan cupcakes use plant-based milk, oil, and egg substitutes to create tender, moist results. Hemp milk and vegan butter create rich flavor without dairy.

The key is not overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients. Vegan buttercream made with shortening pipes beautifully.

Great for accommodating plant-based guests at your Thanksgiving celebration. These taste so good that everyone will enjoy them regardless of dietary preferences.

13. Salted Caramel Almond Cupcakes

This version drizzles caramel sauce into the cupcake liners before adding batter for extra caramel flavor throughout. Almond extract adds sophisticated depth to vanilla base.

The caramel sinks into the batter during baking, creating pockets of sweet caramel surprise. Salted caramel buttercream adds the perfect finishing touch.

Perfect for when you want bakery-quality results that will impress guests. The extra caramel step makes these extra special for holidays.

14. Crustless Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

These quick cupcakes capture pumpkin pie flavors without the crust using pumpkin puree, eggs, and classic pie spices. Greek yogurt adds protein and tangy flavor.

The yogurt creates a cheesecake-like texture while keeping calories lower than traditional cupcakes. This method works with sour cream too if preferred.

Great for pumpkin pie lovers who want individual portions. These work well for potluck dinners where serving pie gets complicated.

15. Warm Nutmeg Spice Cupcakes

These simple cupcakes let nutmeg be the star ingredient with its warm, slightly sweet flavor. Fresh grated nutmeg works much better than pre-ground for intense flavor.

The key is using enough nutmeg to really taste it without making the cupcakes bitter. A simple vanilla buttercream lets the nutmeg shine through.

Perfect for nutmeg enthusiasts who appreciate this underused spice. These work great alongside other fall flavors on a dessert table.

16. Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting

This bold combination uses dark stout beer in rich chocolate cupcakes topped with maple bacon cream cheese frosting. The beer adds depth without bitterness.

The stout enhances chocolate flavor while adding moisture to the crumb. Crispy bacon bits in maple frosting create sweet and salty perfection.

Great for adventurous bakers who want something completely different. These work well for casual gatherings where unique flavors are appreciated.

17. Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes

These spiced cupcakes combine pumpkin puree with fresh and crystallized ginger for warming fall flavors. Allspice cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.

The crystallized ginger pieces add little bursts of spicy sweetness throughout each bite. This method creates light, fluffy texture that tastes like fall.

Perfect for ginger lovers who want something beyond traditional pumpkin spice. Even people who usually avoid pumpkin desserts love these unique cupcakes.

18. Apple Banana Cupcakes

This fruity combination uses fresh apples and ripe bananas for naturally sweet, moist cupcakes with fall appeal. Brown sugar cream cheese frosting complements the fruit flavors perfectly.

The bananas add moisture while apples provide texture and tartness. This method works great for using up overripe bananas and fall apples.

Great for fruit lovers who want something different from traditional spice cupcakes. These work well for breakfast or brunch gatherings too.

19. Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting

These spiced cupcakes recreate sweet potato casserole flavors with roasted sweet potatoes and warm spices. Toasted marshmallow frosting mimics the classic casserole topping.

The marshmallow frosting gets lightly torched for authentic toasted flavor and appearance. This approach turns a side dish into elegant dessert.

Perfect for Thanksgiving when you want familiar flavors in dessert form. These bridge the gap between dinner and dessert beautifully.

20. Gingerbread Spice Cupcakes

These spicy-sweet cupcakes use molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for classic gingerbread flavor in cupcake form. Cream cheese frosting balances the warm spices perfectly.

The molasses adds deep flavor and keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist. This recipe bridges Thanksgiving and Christmas flavors beautifully for holiday season.

Great for extending holiday baking from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Seasonal sprinkles make these festive for any winter celebration.

21. Pecan Banana Cupcakes

This version combines banana bread flavors with crunchy pecans and rich cream cheese frosting. Applesauce in the batter adds extra moisture and subtle fruit flavor.

The applesauce lets you use less oil while keeping cupcakes tender and moist. Toasted pecans add wonderful texture and nutty fall flavor.

Perfect for banana bread lovers who want individual portions. These work great for brunch gatherings or casual family dinners.

22. Caramel Apple Cupcakes

These fun cupcakes capture candy apple flavors with fresh apples, caramel sauce, and chopped walnuts. The combination tastes like fall carnival treats.

Diced apples throughout the batter add texture while caramel drizzle creates authentic candy apple taste. Walnuts add crunch and complement apple flavors.

Great for fall celebrations when you want playful, nostalgic flavors. These work well for family gatherings with kids and adults alike.

23. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes

These hybrid desserts combine pumpkin cheesecake filling with cupcake convenience for the best of both worlds. No springform pan needed for individual cheesecake portions.

The cream cheese base creates rich, tangy flavor while pumpkin adds fall appeal. This method gives you cheesecake texture in portable cupcake form.

Perfect for Thanksgiving when you want cheesecake without the fuss. These work great for potluck dinners where individual portions make serving easier.

Final Thoughts

These holiday cupcake recipes offer endless possibilities for your Thanksgiving dessert spread. From classic pumpkin flavors to creative combinations, there’s something for every taste preference and skill level.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or contributing to a potluck, these cupcakes provide the perfect individual portions that make serving and cleanup effortless.