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Pumpkin Chai Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Frosting

These soft, spiced pumpkin cupcakes are infused with cozy chai flavor and topped with rich, silky brown sugar frosting. A warm, bakery-style treat perfect for autumn gatherings or sweet afternoon pick-me-ups.

Ingredients

Scale

Chai Spice Mix:

8 tsp ground cinnamon

4 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp ground cardamom

1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp ground black pepper

⅔ cup granulated sugar

Cupcakes:

1 cup melted coconut oil (or butter/canola)

1½ cups packed dark brown sugar

2 tbsp vanilla extract

4 large eggs (room temp)

3 cups pumpkin puree

3 cups all-purpose flour

2½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1½ tsp kosher salt

Brown Sugar Frosting:

16 tbsp (2 sticks) salted butter, room temp

½ cup heavy cream

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

4 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tins (makes ~24 cupcakes).

Mix oil, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, and pumpkin. Whisk in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 3–4 tsp of the chai mix.

Divide batter and bake for 18–22 minutes. Cool completely.

For frosting, simmer butter, cream, and brown sugar until smooth. Cool, then whip with vanilla, cinnamon, and powdered sugar.

Frost cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with extra chai sugar if desired.

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