Chocolate Chai Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and aromatic chai spices. These cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chai Spice Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- A sprinkle of chai spices
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions:
Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, boiling water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Chai Spice Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in Spices: Add the ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the chai spice cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of chai spices or chocolate shavings on top of the frosted cupcakes if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your Chocolate Chai Cupcakes as a delightful treat for any occasion!
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes:
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give the best flavor, but pre-ground spices work well too.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined to ensure tender cupcakes.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of rich chocolate and aromatic chai spices creates a unique and indulgent flavor.
- Moist Texture: The cupcakes are moist and tender, thanks to the combination of milk, boiling water, and oil.
- Spiced Frosting: The chai spice cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and spiced finish to the cupcakes.
Enjoy making and savoring these Chocolate Chai Cupcakes—a perfect blend of chocolate and chai that will surely delight your taste buds!