Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes combine the creamy warmth of vanilla and chai spices with cozy pumpkin spice and a subtle coffee hint, offering a moist, tender, and flavorful bite perfect for fall gatherings or indulgent seasonal treats.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to create the chai pumpkin spice blend.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, to develop a rich, tender crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and brewed coffee, which adds a subtle latte flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid tough cupcakes.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: Whip together cream cheese (or heavy cream) with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice for a luscious topping.
- Frost and Garnish: Once cupcakes are cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed chai tea leaves for extra flair.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for maximum flavor and aroma.
- Don’t skip the strong brewed coffee or espresso for that signature latte kick.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth batter and even baking.
- Check cupcakes a few minutes early as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: vanilla chai pumpkin spice, latte cupcakes, fall dessert, pumpkin cupcakes, chai spice cupcakes, coffee infused cupcakes