I was asked to make cupcakes for a party we attended last weekend. I wanted to create unique flavors without frightening the guests, so I choose to make chai latte cupcakes with Chai Spiced Frosting for one batch. They have a mild, but interesting spiced flavor.
My daughter walked in as I was baking and said, “Asking you to bring cupcakes is like asking Gandalf to bring fireworks”. I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment so now my kids are making me watch LOTR again and have informed me that this time I must stay awake the whole time. I have no idea why, but for me, LOTR is like a sleeping pill, only more effective.
To make Chai Cupcakes, replace the liquid in your favorite vanilla cake mix with double strength, unsweetened Chai Tea. Put 2 Chai Tea Bags
in 1/2 cup of boiling water or milk, 4 Chai Tea Bags in a cup of water, etc. Use water for Chai Tea flavored cupcakes and use milk (or almond milk) for Chai Latte Cupcakes.
For the frosting, I didn’t use tea. Instead, I just used this homemade chai spice that replicates the flavors commonly found in masala chai or chai tea as we call it in America.
Chai Frosting Recipe
- ¼ cup butter, softened (or dairy-free margarine)
- ¼ cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons chai spice
- 4+ cups powdered sugar
- Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl until just mixed.
- Use a mixer and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Test the consistency and add either milk or sugar and blend again to achieve the desired consistency for spreading.
I used my Norpro Cupcake Decorating Set
to top the cupcakes with frosting.
elisabeth@foodandthrift says
Alea, I adore your chai cupcake frosting, so clever, amazing, and oh, sooo delicious! Thanks for sharing the yummy recipe, and the source for the handy cupcake decorating set from Amazon, which I’m going to order right now, since I still have some gift card bal. left over!
Thanks for your kind comment on my blog…did not link up to Hearth and Soul this week didn’t find Swathi’s link this week. Are you a hostess, as well?
Alea says
Thanks for your kind words. I am a H&S Hop hostess too. I enjoy co-hosting with Swathi and our other hosts- such a great group of ladies! I wonder if Swathi had a technical difficulty this week…I will check.
Amber says
Hi Alea,
These cupcakes look just divine! I ADORE chai spiced anything. 🙂 I make a zucchini chai spiced grain free roll and it’s quite tasty. Your frosting looks so creamy and fabulous. And I’m sure easily adapted to dairy free. Thanks for sharing with us on AFW.
Alea says
Zucchini chai spiced grain-free rolls sound amazing!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Yum, yum, yum!!! I am going to have to make this. Just pinned it.
Alea says
I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for sharing it on Pinterest.
Crystal @ Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says
Sounds delicious, I love the smell of Chai (I’m not a tea drinker but had a co-worker a few years ago that would drink it and it just smelled so good!)
I can’t wait to try this frosting… once I’m starting to get enough sleep again (or somewhat close to enough!)
Alea says
Cardamon is essential to create the chai flavor. The tea is optional! 🙂 You could create “chai spiced” cupcakes by adding cinnamon, chai, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and white pepper to a white cake recipe. For a standard cake recipe that would make 24 cupcakes, I would add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cardamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmed and gingger, 1/8 teaspoon cloves, and a pinch of white pepper
-h (@tastebuds) says
Wow, that is a wicked idea. I’m not much for sweets, but I’m sure my GF (who enjoys baking more than I) would love to try this out.
-h
Katherine @ Green Thickies says
I adore chai spices so this sounds gorgeous! That reminds me of a chai smoothie I’ve not published yet, yum!
I feel exactly the same way about Lord of the Rings. I adore the beautiful scenery as I love New Zealand but apart from that I just nod off too.
Alea says
A chai smoothie sounds great! Glad I’m not alone in my reaction to LOTR. 🙂
Beth @ Aunt B's Kitchen says
I do love chai in any form. This frosting looks like the perfect finish to those cupcakes. I’m looking forward to giving it a try.
Alea says
I am with you I love chai in any form. I have been eyeing your chai muffins – they look delicious!
Swathi says
Alea,
I was eying on your chai spiced cupcake for long time. This frosting added double treat. Love to try.
Alea says
You are right Chai cupcakes topped with Chai spiced frosting is a double treat. I have made chai cupcakes and topped them with vanilla frosting before, but they are much better with the chai frosting.