Chai Tea Latte Muffins – With Crumble Topping

If you’re looking for a delicious way to bring the warmth of chai tea into your kitchen, these Chai Tea Latte Muffins are the perfect solution! Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, these muffins offer a delightful blend of flavors that will make your mornings extra special. With a soft and fluffy texture, they’re not only easy to make but also a wonderful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Let’s dive into the recipe and embrace the cozy vibes of chai in every bite!

Why You’ll Love These Chai Tea Latte Muffins

• Unique Flavor Profile: The warm blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger creates a comforting and distinct taste in these chai tea latte muffins.
• Cozy Comfort Food: These muffins evoke feelings of warmth, making them perfect for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons.
• Easy to Make: The straightforward recipe allows both novice and experienced bakers to whip up chai tea latte muffins quickly.
• Customizable: They can be easily tailored with add-ins like nuts or dried fruits, allowing for personalized flavor variations in your chai tea latte muffins.

Ingredients for Chai Tea Latte Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a soft, fluffy texture; can be substituted with whole wheat flour for a healthier option or gluten-free.
• Milk + Apple Cider Vinegar: With these ingredients you’ll be making your own buttermilk! I now it’s pretty rare for anyone to have buttermilk laying around for a recipe!
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness, balances the spices, and contributes to moisture and golden-brown color.
• Brown Sugar: Is needed for the crumble topping!
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the muffins rise, creating a light and airy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and enhances flavor; using melted butter can create a tender crumb.
• Chai Spice Blend:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Offers comforting sweetness.
  • All Spice: Gives a warm depth of flavor.
  • Ground Ginger: Adds a zesty kick.
  • Ground Pepper: A “secret” kick to the spice in a chai tea latte flavor.
  • Ground Cardamom: Provides a citrusy note.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Lends a warm, fragrant finish.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances spice flavors; strengthens the muffin structure.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent for structure and moisture.
• Brewed Coffee: Infuses the muffins with the beloved flavors of traditional “latte” flavor; using strong instant coffee enhances the flavor too.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.

These ingredients come together to create delicious chai tea latte muffins that are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!

How to Make These Chai Tea Latte Muffins

• Prepare the Homemade Buttermilk: In a small bowl, mix together the milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly, creating homemade buttermilk.

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, all spice, nutmeg, pepper, and salt until well combined.

• Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the homemade buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and instant coffee (or brewed coffee) until smooth.
• Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

• Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

• Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
• Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each muffin batter.
• Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Cool and Enjoy: Allow the chai tea latte muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Storage & Freezer

To store chai tea latte muffins effectively and keep them fresh, there are a few simple methods you can use. For short-term storage, place the muffins in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation. If you prefer to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying.

For extended storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a muffin, just thaw it at room temperature or microwave it for 20-30 seconds. By following these storage tips, you can savor your chai tea latte muffins for days or even weeks!

FAQ’s Related to This Recipe

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare chai tea latte muffins ahead of time. They can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to three months.

2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

3. What can I use instead of eggs?

For egg substitutes, you can use mashed banana, applesauce, or flaxseed meal mixed with water. Each of these options can help bind the ingredients while adding moisture, while the recipe will be different from this original, i think these are good options to experiment with.

4. Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to enhance the flavor and texture of your chai tea latte muffins.

5. How do I know when the muffins are done?

Muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

6. Can I adjust the spice levels?

Yes, you can adjust the spice amounts according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the quantities of the spices.