Chai Cheesecake Muffins are a combination of sweet, moist muffin bases packed with warm spices, and rich cream cheese filling. The recipe can be ready with no fuss in just 30 minutes. Chai lovers will definitely enjoy it!
How to Make Muffins Moist:
- These chai cheesecake muffins are made with applesauce, Greek yogurt, and vegetable oil. These ingredients help to keep your muffins moist and tender.
- Light brown sugar contains molasses which adds moisture too.
- It’s important to not overmix the batter when adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture to prevent muffins from being dry
What’s the best way to fill the muffin cups?
The best way to fill the muffin cups with chai muffin batter is to use a cookie scoop. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. Then, use a piping bag to add 1 tbsp cheesecake filling to the center of each muffin.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
The chai cheesecake muffins are done baking when the muffins are golden brown and risen on top.
Also, check the muffins using a toothpick inserted in the center, if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs – chai cheesecake muffins are done baking.
Quick & Easy Chai Cheesecake Muffins - Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt, room temperature
- ⅓ cup applesauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the cheesecake filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Prepare the muffin batter. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, Greek yogurt, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir using a rubber spatula until just combined and smooth. Don’t overmix the batter. Set aside.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling. Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a mixing bowl. Whisk using a hand whisk or a fork until just combined. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag.
- Divide the chai muffin batter between prepared paper liners or greased muffin tin until about 2/3 - 3/4 full. Then, fill each muffin with 1 tbsp of cheesecake filling. Swirl the filling with the batter on top of the muffin using a toothpick.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling and prevent soggy bottoms. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions about Chai Cheesecake Muffins
1. How can I add more chai flavor?
You can increase the amount of spices listed in the recipe to your preference, or add 1 tsp chai extract or essence.
2. What can I do if I end up with too much filling?
If you end up with a lot of filling, you can spread it on top of the baked muffins or refrigerate leftover cheesecake filling and use it as frosting for other recipes.
3. Can I make these muffins less sweet?
Yes, you can make these chai cheesecake muffins less sweet by reducing the amount of light brown sugar.
4. Can I substitute applesauce with something else?
Yes, you can substitute applesauce with other fruit puree (pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, peach puree).
5. What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
If you don’t have all the spices listed, you can adjust the amount of spices you have. Also, you can add store-bought spice mixes like pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.
6. What if I only have one muffin tin?
No problem. You can work in batches if you have only one muffin tin.
7. Is the cheesecake filling necessary?
No, it’s not necessary. You can make chai muffins without cheesecake filling.
