All of the wonderful spices of chai tea are showcased in these Chai Spiced Cupcakes that are simple yet packed with flavor.
So, I’m not a tea drinker. When I was overdue with my last baby, I had read that raspberry leaf tea helped to induce labor, and I tried. But no. I have never been able to do it. I like the idea of sitting down at night with a warm mug of herbal tea, but well, it’s just not for me.
I know that chai tea has become really popular in the last few years. But because of my non-tea ways, it has been one of those trends that I’ve just skipped over.
But then, as I was reading through a cookbook one night, I came across this recipe. And while I would have normally skipped over it, for some reason, I read through that recipe.
Wait – a recipe for chai spiced cupcakes, but there isn’t actually any tea in them?? I was definitely intrigued.
I’ve obviously been missing out. Because these chai spices? The flavors are phenomenal. You make a spice blend that has all of the flavors of chai tea, and then you add some to the cupcakes and some to the frosting. These cupcakes are warm and perfectly spiced and full of flavor. They may not look like anything special, but the flavor is perfection.
The original recipe said that the recipe made 12 cupcakes, but when I made my first batch with 12, the cups definitely had too much batter in them and the cupcakes were a mess. So on my second try, I made 17 cupcakes and they came out perfectly. So I think that this recipe should make between 16 and 18 cupcakes.
You may not find me sitting down with a warm mug of tea at night, but don’t be surprised if you find me sitting down with one of these Chai Spiced Cupcakes!
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Chai Spiced Cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter at room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup milk
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter at room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place cupcake liners in 16 muffin cups.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and the butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and the vanilla, scraping down the bowl as needed. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the reserved spice mixture. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk, beating just until combined after each addition.
- Fill the prepared cups 2/3 full of the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes the remove from the pans to cool completely on a cooling rack.
- To make the frosting, in a large bowl beat the butter until fluffy. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla and remaining spice mixture. Beat until smooth. Add enough of the milk to reach your desired consistency. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes, and if desired, sprinkle with cinnamon.
Recipe Notes:
More Favorite Cupcakes:
Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting
Around the Web:
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Joanne says
I don’t generally drink that much tea either but I’m ALL about the chai! Definitely need to get these cupcakes in my life!
Alexis @ Upside Down Pear says
I love chai as it’s one of those teas that you need some milk and sugar to enjoy. It’s got a bit of body to it. The spices are perfect for this cupcakes and I can actually sitting down with a nice cup of coffee and enjoying these during these cooler day!!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
I am a chai tea lover, but I could definitely see myself sitting down at night with a mug of tea AND one (OK, five) of these cupcakes! 😉
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I am a huge tea drinker but not chai drinker… Is that weird? Anyhow, these cupcakes sound fantastic! Gorgeous swirl! Pinned!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
I love the chai spices in baked goods! These cupcakes are beautiful!
Carol @ Wild Goose Tea says
I am glad you didn’t let your tea association with chai stop you from making and sharing these cupcake. I think they are great and I pinned it.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
I’m new to the whole chai tea craze and whilst I do like one of an afternoon, I will always prefer to eat my afternoon snack – these are just perfect!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I’m not a tea drinker either but you totally have me wanting these cupcakes! Beautiful swirls 🙂
Becky (The Cookie Rookie) says
SO pretty! (You always make the prettiest cupcakes!!) Can’t wait to try these!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
They look stunning. Perfect with a good cup of coffee. Oh yeah!
Pinned.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
Hmmm, I think I’ll take one cupcake for my dessert and hold on in my other hand to represent my cup of tea. Totally logical, right?
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
I love anything infused with chai flavors. Thanks for an awesome cupcake recipe. I can’t wait to try it!
Colleen @ What's Baking in the Barbershop?! says
I love chai tea and all its warm, yummy flavors…so no doubt, I’d love these cupcakes too! The texture of the cake looks perfect. And that cinnamon spiced frosting?! Could eat it by the spoonful 🙂
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I’m not much of a tea drinker either. It’s not that I don’t like it, it’s just that coffee make me, you know, a person in the mornings 🙂
But tea in a cupcake? ALL over this! Pinned!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like tea before! But I am very happy you made these chai cupcakes. At least it lets you taste the magical chai flavours! I love this recipe!
Tori@gringalicious.com says
I am a huge fan of anything chai! These are officially on my bucket list.