Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
Delight in these Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes topped with a luscious Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting. Infused with warm chai spices, pumpkin puree, and a hint of espresso, these moist cupcakes offer a cozy and irresistible fall treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions
Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon chai spice mix (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, chai spice mix, and salt until well combined for an even spice distribution and perfect cupcake texture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and brewed espresso or strong coffee to infuse the batter with a rich latte flavor.
- Combine and Blend: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and dense cupcakes.
- Bake Your Cupcakes: Line a cupcake tray with liners and evenly divide the batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- Make the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fluffy and smooth. Add milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, generously frost them using a piping bag or spatula. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed chai spices for extra aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and better rise.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Measure spices carefully to maintain a balanced chai flavor without overpowering vanilla or pumpkin.
- Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust espresso strength to preference for a subtle or bold latte flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: vanilla chai pumpkin latte cupcakes, fall cupcakes, cinnamon brown sugar frosting, pumpkin spice recipe, mocha pumpkin cupcakes