Description
Warm, aromatic, and delightfully tangy — these Sourdough Chai Cupcakes blend cozy chai spices with the unique depth of sourdough for a treat that’s anything but ordinary. Perfectly moist and topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting, they’ll make your baking game legendary!
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sourdough starter (discard or active)
1/3 cup milk or chai tea
For the frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Mix in sourdough starter until smooth.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk (or chai tea), mixing just until combined.
7. Fill liners about 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
10. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
11. Pipe or spread over cooled cupcakes and dust with extra cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Use leftover sourdough discard for a subtle tang that enhances the spices.
For stronger chai flavor, steep a chai tea bag in warm milk before using.
Top with candied ginger or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a bakery-worthy finish.
Perfect for fall baking, afternoon tea, or a cozy Valentine’s dessert with a twist!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg