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Green Tea Cupcakes

By Inspired Taste
Created January 10, 2017
Combine cake mix with green tea and Chinese five-spice powder for some international flair.

We are tea-oholics, like serious tea-oholics. So when we realized we would get a chance to add tea to cupcakes, we were ecstatic! We just replaced the water called for on the cake mix box with double-strength green tea. Not knowing when to stop, we went even further and made a decadent buttercream frosting flavored with Chinese five-spice powder, which is a blend of cinnamon, star anise, cloves and more. Between the spiced buttercream and the green tea cakes, we were in heaven! 

Here’s what you need to make them: White or yellow Betty Crocker SuperMoist® cake mix, vegetable oil, double-strength green tea, eggs, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, Chinese five-spice and toasted coconut.

Green Tea Cupcakes

Make the cake according to the directions on the box, replacing the water with green tea. Bake as directed.

Green Tea Cupcakes

While the cupcakes cool, make the buttercream. It’s really easy. Start by creaming softened butter with vanilla extract. This makes the butter light and airy.

Green Tea Cupcakes

Gradually add the powdered sugar. Make sure each batch is incorporated before adding the next. Continue to beat until light and fluffy.

Green Tea Cupcakes

You will notice that the buttercream becomes quite thick. Just add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to thin it out.

Green Tea Cupcakes

Finally, add the five-spice powder and beat until combined.

Green Tea Cupcakes

Frost the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!

Green Tea Cupcakes

Ingredients

  • Cupcakes
    • 1box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
    • Vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
    • 1cup cold strong brewed green tea
  • Five-Spice Buttercream Frosting
    • 1cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1teaspoon vanilla
    • 2cups powdered sugar
    • 2to 3 tablespoons whipping cream
    • 1 1/2teaspoons five-spice powder
    • 1/8teaspoon salt
    • 1/4cup flaked coconut

Directions

  • 1Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
  • 2Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for cupcakes, using oil and eggs and substituting tea for the water. Cool 10 minutes; remove cupcakes from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  • 3In medium bowl, beat butter and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Reduce speed to low. Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until blended. Add 1 tablespoon of the whipping cream, the five-spice powder and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. If necessary, beat in remaining whipping cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  • 4Pipe or spread frosting on cupcakes. Top with coconut.

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