Description
These Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes combine the warm spices of chai and pumpkin spice with a moist, fluffy cupcake base. Filled with a chai-spiced whipped cream and topped with a luscious vanilla chai buttercream, these cupcakes deliver a perfect balance of cozy autumn flavors and creamy sweetness, ideal for fall gatherings or cozy treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup brewed chai tea (strong)
Chai-Spiced Latte Filling
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee or espresso (optional)
Vanilla Chai Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2-3 tablespoons brewed chai tea (or milk)
Garnish
- Cinnamon sugar
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and pumpkin pie spice. This will evenly distribute all the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully mixed. Then add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree and mix until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients in two parts to the wet mixture, alternating with the brewed chai tea. Begin and end with the dry mix, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full for proper rising during baking.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling and frosting.
- Make the Chai-Spiced Latte Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and brewed coffee (optional), then continue whipping until stiff peaks form to create a flavorful filling.
- Fill the Cupcakes: Use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the centers of the cooled cupcakes and fill them generously with the chai-spiced whipped cream.
- Prepare the Vanilla Chai Buttercream: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition for a smooth frosting.
- Flavor the Buttercream: Incorporate the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and brewed chai tea or milk, beating until the buttercream is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the vanilla chai buttercream onto the filled cupcakes evenly for a beautiful finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top each cupcake with a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top. Lightly dust with additional ground cinnamon for a latte-inspired touch.
Notes
- You can substitute brewed chai tea with milk or a chai concentrate if preferred.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the brewed coffee or espresso in the filling.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before filling and frosting to prevent melting.
- The cupcake centers can be saved and eaten as a snack or added to frosting for a cake pop.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact in both batter and frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
