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Spiced Chai Cupcakes with The Chai Box

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Chai-Spiced Cupcakes with Chai Buttercream

Every fall, Ushma's daughter can't wait to get into the kitchen and start baking. This year she made chai-flavored cupcakes with Aromatic 3Hills Cinnamon and Ground Natural Makhir Ginger, plus cardamom, and folded in masala chai from The Chai Box for extra flavor. Her first batch didn't last a day. We took them to a farmers market and everyone who tasted them asked for the recipe.

Chai Spice Mix

Add to the cupcake batter and buttercream.

  • 3 tsp Aromatic 3Hills Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground Natural Makhir Ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom

Cupcakes

  • ¾ cup masala chai from The Chai Box (brewed strong, or loose chai leaves)
  • 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tsp chai spice mix
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt

Buttercream Icing

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups icing sugar, sifted
  • 1½ tsp chai spice mix
  • 2½ tbsp heavy cream
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cases.
  2. Whisk flour, chai spice mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the Greek yogurt. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla.
  3. Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then gently fold in the masala chai.
  4. Divide the batter between the cases and bake 18-22 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely.
  5. For the buttercream, beat the butter until pale and creamy. Add icing sugar, chai spice mix, and a pinch of salt, then beat until smooth. Mix in the vanilla and heavy cream, then whip until light and fluffy.
  6. Pipe or spread over the cooled cupcakes and top with a cinnamon stick. Optionally, dust with ground Aromatic 3Hills Cinnamon.

Perfect for holiday parties, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or birthdays for the chai, cinnamon, and spice lover in your circle.

Learn more about The Chai Box. More fall baking: Spiced Makhir Ginger Pumpkin Pie. Browse all recipes.