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50 Best Thanksgiving Cupcakes for Your Dessert Table

They'll be gobbled up before you know it!

Headshot of Kara ZaubermanBy Kara Zauberman
thanksgiving cupcakespinterest icon
Ralph Smith

Who says that pie is the only Thanksgiving dessert you can serve on the holiday table? This year, we're making the case for a big dessert spread with all sorts of fall treats—like Thanksgiving cookies, Thanksgiving cakes, seasonal crumbles, and, of course, these Thanksgiving cupcakes.

There are tons of seasonal fall cupcake flavors! Of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a few pumpkin desserts, so you’ll find pumpkin spice cupcakes, pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes, chocolate pumpkin cupcakes, and so much more. Or if you're looking to get adventurous, you can't go wrong with the maple-bacon cupcakes or the cornbread cupcakes with honey buttercream. But regardless of which flavor you go with, they all have one thing in common: they're easy to make! They don't require any special baking skills and you can even make them as a fun Thanksgiving activity with your family. (Kids will love to decorate the adorable turkey-inspired cupcakes!)

While baking Thanksgiving pie might be a holiday tradition, that doesn't mean you can't try something new—especially when it comes to your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Plus, they are much easier to serve since guests can just grab and go. It will be one less thing to worry about since you don't have to slice them. Lastly, have you ever heard anyone say, "There are too many treats on this holiday table?" We didn’t think so! They'll be gobbled up before you know it.

1

Cookies ’n’ Creme Cupcakes

cookies n cream thanksgiving cupcake recipe
Narayan Mahon

Classically delicious flavors are a great idea any time of year, but especially when you have company over. These easy cupcakes with lots of crushed cookies will surely be a crowd pleaser.

Get Ree's Cookies ’n’ Creme Cupcakes recipe.

SHOP CUPCAKE PANS

2

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

caramel apple thanksgiving cupcake recipe
Ralph Smith

Honestly, what doesn't get better with a drizzle of caramel sauce? These perfectly spiced cupcakes with apple cider frosting are topped with store-bought caramel for a sweet ending to a delicious meal.

Get Ree's Caramel Apple Cupcakes recipe.

3

Dr Pepper Cupcakes

dr pepper cupcakes in red liners on a blue board
con poulos

These flavorful cupcakes have a few secret ingredients that make them so good: dried fruit, pumpkin spice, and, of course, Dr Pepper!

Get Ree's Dr Pepper Cupcakes recipe.

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4

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

mini pumpkin cheesecakes on white and blue plate
Will Dickey

Not your typical cupcake recipe, these mini pumpkin cheesecakes come in cupcake form. They're creamy, spiced, and delicious when topped with whipped cream.

Get the Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes recipe.

5

Mocha Cupcakes

mocha cupcakes
Narayan Mahon

A chilly Thanksgiving day calls for a warm cup of coffee or this java-flavored cupcake. It's perfect for your guests who are coffee lovers!

Get Ree's Mocha Cupcakes recipe.

SHOP COOLING RACKS

6

Chocolate Creme Cupcakes

chocolate creme cupcakes with white swirl
Narayan Mahon

Embrace holiday baking season by making nostalgic chocolate cupcakes—they look just like the classic childhood treats!

Get Ree's Chocolate Creme Cupcakes recipe.

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7

Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes

caramel macchiato cupcakes on wire rack
Julie Deily/The Pioneer Woman

Inspired by a coffeehouse favorite, this chocolate and coffee infused cupcake is even better with an espresso buttercream on top. Take it one step further with a drizzle of caramel—it’s the holidays after all!

Get the Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes recipe.

8

Masala-Chai Carrot Cupcakes

chai carrot thanksgiving cupcake recipe
A Cozy Kitchen

If you like carrot cake, try this autumnal cupcake version. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves infuse the batter and after they are baked, they get a deliciously sweet maple frosting.

Get the Masala-Chai Carrot Cupcakes recipe at A Cozy Kitchen.

9

German Chocolate Cupcakes

german chocolate thanksgiving cupcake recipe
Preppy Kitchen

It's hard to make German chocolate cake better if you love it, but this recipe pulls it off. How? Along with the gooey coconut pecan frosting, it has a surprise creamy bourbon chocolate ganache center!

Get the German Chocolate Cupcakes recipes at Preppy Kitchen.

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10

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

pumpkin spice latte thanksgiving cupcake recipe
Table for Two

If you look forward to PSLs each year, go all out for the holidays with this cupcake recipe so everyone can enjoy. The cake batter has both pumpkin pie spice and espresso in it just like the drink, and the topping is simple whipped cream.

Get the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes recipe at Table for Two.

SHOP BAKING SPICES

11

Hummingbird Cupcakes

hummingbird thanksgiving cupcake recipe
A Cookie Named Desire

Take a classic retro dessert and kick it up a notch with fun toppers. They're much easier to make than they look. They're actually dried pineapple rings! Your guests will be super impressed by the look and the taste.

Get the Hummingbird Cupcakes recipe at Cookie Named Desire.

12

Salted Dark Chocolate Cupcakes Stuffed with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

chocolate chip cookie dough thanksgiving cupcake recipe
Dinner Then Dessert

A holiday that's all about the food deserves a cupcake recipe that goes all out. too. This is it! Decadent dark double chocolate cupcakes get an extra boost from sweet cookie dough in the center.

Get the Salted Dark Chocolate Cupcakes Stuffed with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough recipe at Dinner Then Dessert.

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13

Time Saver Carrot Cupcakes

time saver carrot thanksgiving cupcake recipe
Amanda's Cookin'

Thanksgiving can get overwhelming with the amount of food prep you have to do. If you're looking for a shortcut, try this option. It uses boxed cake mix as a base to speed up the process so you're done in less time, but it still yields delicious results.

Get the Time Saver Carrot Cupcakes recipe at Amanda's Cookin'.

14

Chocolate Sweet Potato Cupcakes

chocolate sweet potato thanksgiving cupcake recipe
Orchids and Sweet Tea

Sweet potatoes are a classic flavor for Thanksgiving, so why not add a twist this year with more warm spices and dose of chocolate? And because they are so moist, you can absolutely make them ahead.

Get the Chocolate Sweet Potato Cupcakes recipe at Orchids and Sweet Tea.

15

Chocolate Pumpkin S’mores Cupcakes

chocolate pumpkin s’mores thanksgiving cupcake recipe
The Little Kitchen

Quick: Name two American flavors that everyone loves. If you thought of s'mores and pumpkin, you've found the right recipe! Lots of chocolate, seasonal pumpkin, and toasted marshmallow―what's not to love?

Get the Chocolate Pumpkin S’mores Cupcakes recipe at The Little Kitchen.

SHOP KITCHEN TORCHES

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16

Cheesecake Cupcakes

cheesecake thanksgiving cupcake recipe
The Domestic Rebel

If you have a hard time deciding whether to make a regular cake or a cheesecake, combine them! These moist little bites get double the cream cheese; you put it in the batter and in the frosting. Top with a sprinkle of graham crackers to finish them off.

Get the Cheesecake Cupcakes recipe at The Domestic Rebel.

17

Pecan Pie Cupcakes

pecan pie cupcakes
Easy Dessert Recipes

Pecan pie lovers will go crazy for these delicious bite-sized treats. Each one is topped with a flavorful cinnamon frosting and filled with a surprise pecan pie filling that's sure to delight.

Get the Pecan Pie Cupcakes recipe at Easy Dessert Recipes.

18

Fall Daisy Mini Cupcakes

fall daisy mini cupcakes
Sarah's Bake Studio

Fall colored M&M's make these pretty flowers perfect for any seasonal party. You can make your own mini chocolate cupcakes or buy store-bought cupcakes if you're in a pinch.

Get the Fall Daisy Mini Cupcakes recipe at Sarah's Bake Studio.

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19

Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Meringue Frosting

sweet potato cupcakes with toasted meringue frosting
Broken Oven Baking

These cupcakes are made with sweet potato puree, brown sugar, and plenty of warm spices. But the best part is the toasted meringue frosting on top. It's so elegant!

Get the Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Meringue Frosting recipe at Broken Oven Baking.

20

Ultimate Salted Caramel Cupcakes

ultimate salted caramel cupcakes
Baker by Nature

If you like your desserts a little bit sweet and a little bit salty, these cupcakes are just the thing. The brown sugar cupcakes are stuffed with caramel cream, then finished with a salted caramel frosting that's over-the-top good.

Get the Ultimate Salted Caramel Cupcakes recipe at Baker by Nature.

SHOP BAKING TOOLS

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