Chai-Spiced Cheesecake Muffins are a delightful fusion of warm chai spices and creamy cheesecake, making them an irresistible treat for any time of the day. These muffins offer a perfect blend of flavors with the aromatic spices of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg, combined with a luscious cheesecake filling. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress anyone who tries them.
Recipe: Chai-Spiced Cheesecake Muffins
Ingredients for 16 muffins:
Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups applesauce
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Grease two 12-cup muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Muffin Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt with a fork.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and vegetable oil. Mix with a fork until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, use a fork to mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth.
- Assemble the Muffins:
- Scoop about ¼ cup of muffin batter into each muffin cup.
- Add a teaspoon of cheesecake filling to the center of each cup. Use a toothpick to swirl the cheesecake into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Muffins:
- Bake the muffins for 18 minutes, or until they are springy to the touch and lightly browned around the edges.
- Let the muffins cool in the tins for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion:
Chai-Spiced Cheesecake Muffins are a perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of chai spices and the richness of cheesecake in a convenient, handheld form. The combination of aromatic spices with the creamy filling creates a unique and delicious treat that is sure to become a favorite. These muffins are ideal for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a personal indulgence. Make a batch today and savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures in each bite!