Chai Spice Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

On the Menu Today~
Chai Spice Cupcakes and
Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting~

Chai Spice Cupcakes have the
Classic Chai spice flavor with an added new
twist...Cinnamon Chips~

Chai Spice

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Directions

1. In a small bowl combine spices.
2. Store in an air-tight container.

Chai Spice Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chai spice mixture
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cinnamon chips

Cooking Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and 1 1/2 teaspoon spice mixture.
3. Gradually add to creamed mixture, alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
4. Fill paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full.
5. Bake at 350º for 24 to 28 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool on wire rack until completely cool. 
7. Frost with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting.

Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 of a whole vanilla bean pod
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Cooking Directions

1. Split vanilla bean pod in half.
2. Use the tip of a knife to scrape the vanilla bean paste from each side of the pod.
3. Whip cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth.
4. Add butter and beat to combine.
5. Add vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste.
6. Beat in powdered sugar, a little at a time, until frosting is of desired consistency.

Cupcakes, Spice, Frosting, Vanilla, Cream Cheese