Thursday 11 December 2014

Chai Spice Cupcakes Inspired by Mindy Kaling

I’m one of the few people who looks hot eating a cupcake” – Kelly Kapoor from The Office.

These cupcakes are inspired by Mindy Kaling, they are cute, delicious, and super easy to make. There are a lot of chai spice cupcake recipes out there already, but like Mindy, you probably don’t have a lot of time on your hands. This recipe cheats using boxed cake mix and store bought frosting (Betty Crocker ftw!) I recently finished her book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? You can read my thoughts here


You basically follow the instructions on the box of cake mix, but where the recipe calls for water, you substitute for Chai tea. Use whatever brand you like. I personally love Tazo for its strong flavor. 


I normally add 2 tablespoons of milk just to give the batter a bit more of a creamy texture. You can also use almond milk, or leave the milk out all together. 


For some the chai tea alone is enough, but for those who want added spice, a mix of spices can also be added. 



The batter will be slightly thicker than usual if adding the spice mix, but the cupcakes still take around 15-20 minutes to bake at 350 degrees F. 



For the frosting, simply add one tablespoon of cinnamon to a can of vanilla frosting. I've always been terrible at frosting cupcakes and while this doesn't look like much I can assure you that it tastes delicious. 


Just ask Naomi!

Cupcakes
One box cake mix (Golden, French Vanilla, or White work best)
½ cup canola oil
1 cup brewed Chai tea
2 tablespoons milk (optional)
3 eggs (For a vegan recipe substitute eggs for applesauce) 

Spice Mix (Optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Frosting
1 can Vanilla Frosting
1 tablespoon cinnamon

1.     Preheat Oven according to directions on Cake Mix box
2.     Boil one cup of water and add chai tea bag. Let steep for 5 minutes.
3.     If adding milk add 2 tbs to Chai tea.
4.     Add chai tea, oil, and eggs to cake mix and mix well
5.     Add spice Mix .
6.     Bake Cupcakes according to direction on Cake Mix Box. (Normally 15-20 minutes for cupcakes)

7.     Let cupcakes cool and frost with cinnamon frosting