Bakery-Style Five Spice Cupcakes
From Scratch
Moist, aromatic cupcakes made for slow Sundays, celebration spreads, and everything in between!
These cupcakes are soft, fragrant, and spiced just right—thanks to our globally-inspired Chinese Five Spice blend. The flavor leans warm and cozy, with hints of licorice, cinnamon, and clove balanced by a tender vanilla cake base. Topped with a fluffy honey-butter or cream cheese frosting? Pure magic.
⏳Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥Cook time: 18-22 minutes | 🥘 Total Time: ~35 minutes | 📌Servings: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp USimplySeason Chinese Five Spice
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs, room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
Honey Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- Optional: pinch of USimplySeason Chinese Five Spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin cups.
- Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, Five Spice.
- Cream butter & sugar: Beat until fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla.
- Mix batter: Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream and milk.
- Bake 18–22 minutes, until tops spring back and toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Frosting: Beat butter, honey, and vanilla. Add sugar, then milk to reach desired consistency. Optional: add a pinch of Five Spice.
- Frost & enjoy: Spread or pipe frosting. Sprinkle spice or drizzle honey on top.
Make It Your Own
- Add orange zest to the batter or frosting
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of honey butter
- Make minis or a layered cake version
Featured Product:
USimplySeason Chinese Five Spice (4.8 oz)
Balanced, bold, and beautifully aromatic—our Chinese Five Spice brings warmth and wonder to both sweet and savory dishes.
