Print

Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid tough cupcakes.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: Whip together cream cheese (or heavy cream) with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice for a luscious topping.
  8. 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

Keywords: vanilla chai pumpkin spice, latte cupcakes, fall dessert, pumpkin cupcakes, chai spice cupcakes, coffee infused cupcakes