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Lawrence D. Smith

Cozy Chocolate Chai Cupcakes

Tender chocolate cupcakes infused with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and other chai spices, finished with creamy chai-spiced vanilla frosting and an optional Chocolate SunButter swirl.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 9 Cupcakes
Course: Cupcakes
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Chai Spice Mix
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ginger
  • 2 tsp cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
Chocolate Chai Cupcakes
  • 1/3 cup 105g maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup 80g coconut sugar
  • 3/4 cup 180g almond milk, or freshly brewed coffee for a dirty chai variation
  • 1/2 cup 125g Chocolate SunButter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 140g cassava flour
  • 3 tbsp 23g coconut flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp prepared chai spice mix
Chai Frosting
  • Homemade or store-bought vanilla frosting
  • 2 tsp prepared chai spice mix
  • Additional Chocolate SunButter for swirling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Microwave-safe bowl or mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cupcake pan
  • 9 paper cupcake liners
  • Cooling rack
  • Spoon or cookie scoop
  • Piping bag or spatula

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chai Spice: Combine the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly. Set the spice blend aside.
  2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Add the maple syrup, coconut sugar, almond milk, Chocolate SunButter, and vanilla extract to a mixing bowl.
    Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds to slightly soften the SunButter, then whisk until smooth and evenly combined.
  3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the cassava flour, coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of the prepared chai spice mix to the wet mixture.
    Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
  4. Fill the Cupcake Pan: Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Divide the batter among the liners, filling each one approximately three-quarters full.
  5. Bake the Cupcakes: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes, until the cupcakes are baked through.
  6. Cool in the Pan: Leave the baked cupcakes in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
  7. Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on the rack before adding the frosting.
  8. Prepare the Frosting: Stir 2 teaspoons of the chai spice mix into the prepared vanilla frosting until the spices are evenly distributed.
  9. Frost the Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the chai-spiced frosting over the completely cooled cupcakes.
  10. Add the Chocolate Swirl: Finish the frosted cupcakes with a swirl of Chocolate SunButter.
  11. Store the Cupcakes: Keep frosted leftovers refrigerated for 1–2 days. Unfrosted cupcakes can be refrigerated for 3–4 days when well sealed.

Notes

  • Prepare the chai spice mixture before starting the cupcake batter so it is ready to use in both the cupcakes and frosting.
  • The recipe makes 9 cupcakes, so divide the batter evenly while filling each liner about three-quarters full.
  • Microwave the wet mixture for 30 seconds only to soften the Chocolate SunButter slightly before whisking.
  • Let the cupcakes cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
  • Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting so the frosting remains in place.
  • For a coffee-forward variation, use freshly brewed coffee instead of almond milk for the “dirty chai” version.
  • Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated for 1–2 days, while well-sealed unfrosted cupcakes can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.