Spiced Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes Topped with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

The holidays are a time for cozy gatherings, warm flavors, and sweet treats that bring everyone together. Imagine the rich aroma of spiced gingerbread mingling with hints of freshly brewed coffee, paired with a creamy, tangy lemon frosting to balance it all out. These Spiced Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes Topped with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect dessert to elevate any occasion—whether it’s a festive family dinner, a holiday party, or simply a special treat for yourself.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this delightful dessert from scratch.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes

• Perfect Holiday Dessert: The warm spices, molasses, and coffee create a cozy, seasonal flavor that screams holiday cheer.
• Zesty Frosting: The lemon cream cheese frosting adds a refreshing contrast to the deep, rich flavors of the cupcakes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cupcakes are a hit with everyone, from kids to adults, making them perfect for any gathering.
• Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients, and with step-by-step instructions, you’ll nail it even if you’re a beginner baker.
• Customizable: Add your own festive decorations like cinnamon sprinkles or candied ginger to make them extra special.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1¾ cups
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Ground ginger	2½ teaspoons
Ground cinnamon	¾ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	¼ teaspoon
Ground cloves	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter, melted	1 stick (4 ounces)
Fresh ginger, grated	2 tablespoons
Hot coffee	½ cup
Unsulphured molasses	½ cup
Light brown sugar, packed	¾ cup
Large egg	1
Large egg yolks	2

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Full-fat cream cheese, very soft	1 (8-ounce) block
Unsalted butter, very soft	1 stick (4 ounces)
Confectioners’ sugar, sifted	3½ cups (more if needed)
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Fresh squeezed lemon juice	3 teaspoons
Lemon zest	1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Set aside for later.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, grated fresh ginger, hot coffee, molasses, and packed light brown sugar.
2. Mix until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. The hot coffee helps dissolve the sugar and molasses, creating a silky batter.

Incorporate the Eggs

1. Add the whole egg and egg yolks to the wet ingredients.
2. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.

Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.

Bake the Cupcakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
3. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Incorporate Sugar, Salt, and Lemon

1. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and salt, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.
2. Add the fresh lemon juice and zest, then increase the speed and beat until the frosting is airy and fluffy.
3. If the frosting is too soft, add more confectioners’ sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 3: Frost and Decorate the Cupcakes

1. Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or an offset spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the lemon cream cheese frosting.
2. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a small piece of candied ginger for a festive touch.

Step 4: Serve and Store

1. Serve the cupcakes immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the cupcakes come to room temperature before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices make a noticeable difference in flavor, especially for recipes like gingerbread where spices are the star.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your wet ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Sifting the Sugar: Sift the confectioners’ sugar for a silky frosting that’s free of lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them just before serving for convenience.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake, Based on 12 Cupcakes)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	375
Total Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Carbohydrates	54 g
Sugar	40 g
Protein	4 g

FAQs About Spiced Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes

1. Can I substitute the molasses?

Yes! You can use dark corn syrup or maple syrup, but keep in mind that molasses provides the authentic gingerbread flavor.

2. Can I use decaf coffee?

Absolutely! Decaf coffee works just as well and won’t affect the flavor of the cupcakes.

3. How do I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute to make this recipe gluten-free.

4. Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but the homemade lemon cream cheese frosting enhances the flavor and texture, making the cupcakes extra special.

5. How do I store these cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

6. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes! Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Final Thoughts

These Spiced Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes Topped with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a festive and flavorful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. The rich spices of the cupcake paired with the tangy lemon frosting create a delicious balance that’s perfect for sharing.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this showstopping dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in the joy of homemade treats, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress!

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