National Chai Day - 2025

September 21st is National Chai Day. It is held in appreciation of the sweet and spicy Indian beverage enjoyed worldwide. Also referred to as Masala chai, don't make the mistake of calling it Chai Tea, as Chai means tea, so you would actually be saying Tea Tea. The combination of spices includes cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, and can be enjoyed iced or hot. Years ago, we welcomed Aparna to our home and gardens as a volunteer. She would help with whatever needed to be done for the day, but when 4:30 hit, she spoiled us as she would prepare authentic chai. You can read her instructions on making Chai here from an earlier blog post. I can still smell the spicy concoction made with Assam tea, warming spices, milk, and sugar. Warm, spicy, sweet, and milky, it solved the mid day slump and brightened our spirits.

In celebration of National Chai Day, we are happy to share this cupcake recipe.

Chai Cupcakes

In a small bowl, blend the following spices: 1/2 tsp. each ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamon and cloves, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Set spice mixture aside. 

Note: You will use some of the spices for the cupcake batter, 

and the rest of the spices for the frosting recipe.

For the cake batter:

1/2 c. butter (1 stick), softened

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1-1/2 c. cake flour

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2/3 c. milk

Frosting:

6 Tbsp. butter, softened

3 C. confectioner's sugar

3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

3 - 4 Tbsp. milk

remaining spice mixture

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and 1-1/2 tsp. spice mixture. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approx. 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition. Fill 12 paper lined cupcake cups two thirds full. Bake 24 - 28 minutes, or until they test done. Cool. 

Prepare frosting, beat butter until flurry; beat in confectioner's sugar, vanilla and reserved spice mixture until smooth. Add enough milk until the frosting is desired consistency. Frost cupcakes.

Nancy's note: for the tearoom, she will prepare miniature cupcakes. This recipe will yield approx. 30 petite cupcakes. Bake for 9 - 12 min., testing until done.