Pumpkin Chai Cupcakes with Frosting
Delight in these warm-flavored cupcakes combining pumpkin puree with cozy spices, topped with rich frosting, making them ideal for gatherings or special moments.
Ingredients
Chai Spice Blend
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon all-spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or melted butter or canola
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- In a shallow bowl, combine all chai spice ingredients. Divide the mix in half. Set aside one half mixed with granulated sugar for topping the cupcakes. Reserve the other half for the batter.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 16 cupcake molds with paper liners.
- In a mixer, beat coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, and pumpkin until combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and reserved chai spice. Mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake molds.
Baking
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until set. Let cool.
Frosting
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter with cream and brown sugar in a saucepan. Boil for one minute, then cool in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
- Mix in remaining butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with reserved chai sugar.
Notes
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cupcakes soft and fluffy. Feel free to adjust the spices to match your personal taste.