These Grownup Chai Chocolate Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of warm chai spices with rich chocolate. This recipe takes traditional chocolate cupcakes to the next level by infusing them with a homemade chai spice blend. Topped with a creamy chai-spiced frosting, these cupcakes are the perfect dessert for adults who enjoy a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- - 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- - ½ teaspoon baking soda
- - ¼ teaspoon salt
- - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- - ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - ½ cup buttermilk
- - ½ cup hot brewed chai tea
- For the frosting:
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 4 cups powdered sugar
- - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- - 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- - 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- - 1 tablespoon milk
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - Additional cinnamon, for dusting (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and brewed chai tea. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well combined and creamy.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the chai-spiced frosting. Optionally, dust the tops with additional cinnamon for added flavor and garnish.
- Serve and enjoy these Grownup Chai Chocolate Cupcakes as a delightful dessert for adults who appreciate the combination of chai spices and chocolate.
