
It used to be the case that the point at which most people started to nurture festive cheer and excitement was when the classic “Holidays are Coming” Coca-Cola advert first appeared on the television. While this cultural phenomenon remains to a greater or lesser extent true, another indicator has more recently emerged; the gingerbread latté. To be frightfully honest, I’ve only ever had one of these Western delicacies and while it was somewhat delicious, I prefer my coffee bitter and strong. Besides, most gingerbread lattes are served from the centre of caffeine Hell (Starbucks) and are, as such, rather un-frugal.
You’ll be glad to know that I’m using a bonafide gingerbread recipe for these cupcakes, one that featured on FrugalFeeding sometime ago. The one way to spoil a recipe such as this would be to use a modified sponge recipe; the depth of flavour just wouldn’t be there – black treacle is simply a must. Happily, this is an old recipe from when people knew how to do things properly – none of these dietary requirements. After all, Katherine’s grandmother swears by it – it must be good.

There’s something rather exciting about turning a well-loved drink into something edible, as opposed to drinkable. Now I think about it, cupcakes seem to be the perfect way to approach such a transformation since, like most sweet hot-drinks, they have a body, a topping and a sprinkle, or garnish. Take these for instance, the base is gingerbread, the topping is cream and the garnish is freshly grated nutmeg – perfection. Enjoy!
Gingerbread Latté Cupcakes
Makes 20-22
Ingredients:
• 225g plain flour
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 55g light muscovado sugar
• 110g butter
• 110g black treacle
• 110g golden syrup
• 150ml milk
• 2 eggs
• 200ml double cream
• A little fresh nutmeg
Method:
1. Heat the oven to 180C and prepare your cupcake cases. Sieve together the flour, salt, ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda, before stirring in the sugar.
2. Melt together the butter, treacle and syrup over a gentle heat. Gradually beat in the milk and allow the mixture to cool a little. Beat the eggs before stirring them into the treacle mixture. Stir the wet mixture into the dry, tip into your cupcake cases and bake for 16-17 minutes.

3. Place on wire rack to cool completely before decorating with whipped cream and a little freshly grated nutmeg.

Cost: Like the gingerbread that came before them, these cupcakes are sensationally frugal. Admittedly, these work out a little more expensive as a result of the added cream, but it’s worth it… trust me. Despite that dairy-based addition, these cupcakes should set one back no more than around £2!
158 replies on “Gingerbread Latté Cupcakes”
They look SO good ! Oooh there’s something about Gingerbread cooking arommmmmas
May need a few people round to sample them – what with it making 20-22 !!! 😉
Thanks! Oh yes, they smell amazing! Haha – we don’t decorate them all and then we freeze them 😀
Well then I may just have to follow your lead ….probably make sometime this week and report back 🙂
Please do 😀
I need to head to the kitchen right now to make these. Yum! I much prefer my coffee unadulterated also.
You definitely do! it’s far better that way!
I can actually smell them
Don’t they smell good!? 😀
yes, very Christmas-y
You just need to have one of those cupcakes with my Gingerbread Latte 😉 That would be perfection…..
Sarah! That was my thought!!
Not from starbucks I hope!
Hah! She’d be hoping for one of my handmade ones 😉 SB ones are waaayyyy too sweet!
Haha – yes! They definitely are. I never, ever add sugar to coffee…
I would like that… especially since I’ve only actually had one gingerbread latte…
Looks heavenly!
They really, really are!
Oh these sound so good. My boys are really into gingerbread at the moment so we might have to give them a go.
Thanks! I’m sure they’ll adore them!
These look fun. I am guilty of sweetening my coffee a bit, but not as much as Starbucks. I still like my coffee to taste like coffee. 😉
Thanks! Tut, tut… you ought to get out of that nasty habit 😀
Starbucks comment much appreciated. Independent coffee shop alternatives exist almost everywhere you find the ubiquitous tax dodgers. It may be roulette, but worth a shot to try anywhere else (apologies for the pun, I can’t stop myself).
I’m glad you enjoyed that! Exactly! They are always better!
Tiny little exotic pyramids of “BAM”! Ginger has to be my favourite spice. I include it in my breakfast every day (aside from one day that I decided to include turmeric and we shall NEVER talk about that day again!) and despite Steve not being enarmoured of its spicy heat, I try to put it in as many things as I can. Sadly, we can’t grow it here but the irony is that it’s purely decorative cousin flourishes on Serendipity Farm. Not only am I going to make these tiny promises of heaven, but I am going to make an entire pan of Katherine’s grannies gingerbread. Please thank her for me (enormous hugs and effusive kisses…) from the bottom of my ginger loving antipodean heart 🙂
Haha! Thanks! I don’t eat that much of it, but I do love it… Haha – well you’ll have to let me know when you do!
I like my coffee black and bitter as well…. But I think you we’re a little harsh on Starbucks! Haha love it
Exactly… though I will admit to needing a little milk… Nah, one can never be harsh on starbucks…
Wow! They look absolutely amazing and, being a ginger addict, I feel compelled to try baking them very very soon. Do you think they could work with soya milk instead of dairy? And do you think the boyfriend might not notice they actually contain ginger? I made him OD on it while I was pregnant and he has, for now, banned me from cooking with it…PS couldn’t agree with you more about Starbucks. Good coffee is a must and they do not make it.
Thanks so much! Please do! I have no idea… give it a go – I’m sure they would! Umm no, they taste a lot of ginger…
Oh my.
Haha – that’s all that needs to be said!
Once again, a lovely blog! I cannot agree with you more, that Starbucks is way too sugary sweet and this is coming from a Californian!
I prefer my coffee with just a bit of milk… My thought is, that if I want sugar, it should be in the form of a cookie… Or in this case… Gingerbread! For those in the US, treacle is molasses. The dark is like Black Treacle =0)
Thanks so much! Exactly! I hate sweet coffee… there’s no point in drinking coffee if it’s sweet… have a coke… I don’t cater for Americanisms 😀
Those look good! I like gingerbread and agree on the black molasses. It’s a sensational ingredient. I laughed at your comment about “dietary requirements”! I’ve had all kinds of desserts and have found all types to be delicious when the right ingredients, no matter what they are, are used and come together beautifully and the passion used behind it. 🙂
Thanks! It really is a must! Haha – my girlfriend laughed at that too!
Wow! Fabulous holiday recipe! Love the extreme close-up photos. Are you using a new camera?
Thanks! Nope, just trying out new things 😀
Can’t wait to try this one!
please do – they are incredible!
True gingerbread is one of my favorites; especially this time of year.
What is the difference between treacle and molasses?
Me too – it’s so tasty! Umm… nothing, I don’t think… we call it treacle in Britain.
Love ginger! And it is so good for you! I loved that you topped the delicious cupcake with cream and nutmeg!
OH, it was necessary:D
Ugh. Now I’m hungry again! 🙂
Dreadfully sorry!
Ohh swooon. These look so good.
Thanks, Brittany – don’t fall over…
These look/sound delicious! The topping is so pretty!
Thanks so much 😀
Gorgeous. And so much better than some highfalutin drink. I did some gingerbread-inspired baking myself this weekend. Tis’ the season, I guess.
Exactly! OH it is indeed.
Wow they look so good! Wish I could have one, or 5, right now.
Thank you so much… I had 5…
Strabucks aren’t here yet. Only our international airport in capital city. But i don’t mind either way, ‘cos I don’t drink coffe at all, but I love Coca-cola. And I absolutely love that commercial “Holidays are Coming” =)
And because I don’t drink coffee think I should try this recipe before Christmas. Yammy =). Those looks delicious. I was just wondering what do you mean about “1 tsp mixed spice” What is mixed spice? I haven’t heard that kind of spice. Though I live in Finland. Do you have something you can recommended instead?
With Love SonyBlue
PS. Thanks for stopping by and liking my post, so I could find your blog.
Count yourselves lucky! I hope you tried it! Mixed spice is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves I believe!
looks oh so yummy!
Hehe – thanks, Rachel.
This is really tempting…..
Tell me about it 😀
A perfectly appropriate seasonal treat (but I’d eat them any time of year!).
Oh, me too 😀
My mouth is watering…
Get a towel 😀
this looks delicious… yum yum!
Haha – thanks!
I want one of these for breakfast right now! 🙂 Yummy!
They work very well for breakfast 😀
These look delicious! May have to have a go at making them!
Please do. They’re so delicious.
What a great seasonal treat they sound so heavenly and warming
Thanks – they very much were!
Reblogged this on nixisandhu and commented:
Warm, heavenly bites of starbucks christmas delights
These look divine! Pinning to make later 🙂
Kenley
Great! Enjoy!
This looks amazing! Cannot wait to try. I will keep you posted 🙂
Thanks! Please do!
Looks delicious. The topping is very inviting!
Thanks so much – oh it was 😀
These look amazing! So perfect for the holiday season (and winter!) as well! 🙂
Thanks so much! Definitely perfect 😀
Love the idea of a gingerbread cupcake. This time of year I’m all about cookies (or biscuits), but I’m going to make an exception and give these little lovelies a try. Thank you!
So much better than a regular sponge cup cake. Please do 😀
I cannot even imagine drinking something called a gingerbread latte, but I can definitely imagine how wonderful these cupcakes must taste! 🙂
Haha – I tend to avoid them too.
Gingerbread aroma through the house just spells Christmas!! What a festive and delicious-sounding recipe!
It does indeed! Thanks so much!
Bona fide! (Have you seen Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? I can’t hear/read that term without thinking about the little Wharvey gals.) These look great, Frug.
No, I’m afraid not – I’ll have to look it out! Thanks, Michelle!
YUM! But what is in your mixed spice? Nutmeg and cinnamon? Also, what is black treacle? Molasses, as we call it in USA? I will need to make these once I know the answers… 🙂
Umm – it’s just a basic mix, I think it contains nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves… yes, molasses!
Thanks!
Looks great, I just retrieved my cupcake tin from my parents house, good to have some ideas.
Amazing! You must try them 😀
Awesome! One of the more exciting cupcakes I’ve seen in awhile. Quite bored with the overly sweet cupcakes I’ve been seeing everywhere. Now THIS is my kinda dessert. Much more exciting flavours with the ginger, spices and all. Great blog btw! I’m def all about the frugal eating too (student life has taught me well) =)
Thanks! I agree – I’m not a fan of the usual suspects!
Double cream and all that other goodness. Wow, these look awesome.
Hehe – a bit naughty I guess.
I know exactly what you mean about the Coca Cola advert – I always used to look forward to seeing it 🙂
Definitely – sadly I don’t have a TV atm.
Made me salivate. Haha. Just kidding! I’ll try them on my term break!
Haha – I should hope so. Enjoy!
Now I’m craving! I’m going to take the lazy way out and go buy a cupcake. lol
Tut – very lazy.
These look great! Going to have to try my hand at making them. 🙂
Thanks – please do, they are so simple!
They look great!!
Thanks, Tina!
my goodness, these seem to be like the perfect start to gingerbread cooking season haha. The frosting…. yuuumm
Oh it was, it REALLY was.
Perfect Nick (as usual) your desserts are always no fuss and lovely because of it! 🙂
Thanks, Somer! I don’t like fuss 😀
Yum 🙂 thanks for sharing!
No problem 😀
these look delicious! I love gingerbread anything!
Thanks – me too, very festive too.
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Bonus.. I wouldn’t spill this one as I pick it up and run out the door. No, I think I would have to have a strong espresso to go with this, that would be perfect!
Haha – indeed not! That does sound perfect.
These do look perfect Frugal! I love a good gingerbread but haven’t had one in years. Can’t wait to try this recipe. 🙂
Hehe – thanks, Karista! you’ll love them!
Yum, love a good gingerbread! But not a fan of cupcakes I’m afraid. Think I could just turn this into a cake instead? And, American here, what is black treacle? Is that the same as molasses?
But these are just like small cakes… they have nothing in common with a normal cupcake. The cake recipe, which is VERY similar, is linked in the post! Yes, the same as molasses!
I love your photographs of the finished cupcakes. I want one now! But I’m at work so will have to wait.
Thanks so much – you shall!
Thanks for dropping by my blog. Everything looks good. All the best.
Thanks so much, Victor!
They must be delicious! I really like my coffee pimped.. Latte, syrups and stuff. (Please don’t ban me from commenting again!)
tut tut, Villy 😀
They sound yummy and the mixture looks so tempting.
Thanks – they were SO nice.
Delicious!!! I will give them a try!
Please do! They are so worth it!
I love anything with molasses in it, real gingerbread being no exception. Looks delicious! And you are spot on about Starbucks. If I get a specialty drinking (rarely) I always ask that they decrease the syrups by 2/3.
Real gingerbread HAS to contain black treacle. I refuse to enter Starbucks 😀
Gingerbread is just perfect for the season right now. These look amazing!
Thanks so much, Daisy – definitely perfect 😀
[…] Meanwhile also today ((BB)) set to and made Frugal Feeding’s recipe for GingerBreadLatteCupCakes http://frugalfeeding.com/2012/12/02/gingerbread-latte-cupcakes/ […]
My ((BB)) made these today !! I was very impressed how they turned out 🙂 http://poppytump.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/christmas-makes-and-bakes/
Great recipe Thanks:-)
I saw – they looked great!
I really liked this recipe!!! It was difficult finding some of the ingredients, since I’m in the US, but once you google all the alternatives, I LOVED them!
Thanks! Yes, there are always alternatives!
Freshly grated nutmeg ranks right up there on my list of olfactory delights. Pairing it with cream topped gingerbread cupcakes… nasal nirvana.
Lol re: your coffee shop comment… the only time I indulge in a cup is when I pick someone up at the airport (so far that totals 3 trips in 5 years, ha!) My hubby always asks before I leave, “Are you going to have your 5 dollar cup of coffee today?” 😉
OH yes! It works SO well and gives it a good look! Really? I go all the time!
Pure genius! I wish I could have one right now.
Thanks! You should make them, they’re dead simple!
I’ll impress my girlfriend for Christmas – and give you due credit of course 😉
They’ll have the desired effect…
You’re a magician!
Notify the magic circle!
[…] know it’s supposed to be wordless but I just have to pass on this gorgeous recipe from Frugal Living just click and find some wonderful flavoursome food […]
These look and sound lovely! I need some gingerbread in my life this holiday season!
Thanks so much! Oh you do!
While I do appreciate a (regular) latte every now and then, I totally understand your sentiments about black coffee. But sometimes, some hot milk just hits the spot.
Your cupcakes look delicious.
I’ve stopped drinking latte, they don’t do me any good!
Love your nickname for Starbucks…”centre of caffeine Hell” 😛
By the way, what exactly is black treacle…?
Haha! It’s similar to molasses!
Good to know, thanks!!
[…] you’re looking for something similar, but in cupcake form, check out my recipe for Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes – they are fantastic at this time of […]