Lime, jasmine & green tea cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

70 grams (2.5 ounces) milk
25 grams (0.88 ounces) poppy seeds
60 grams (2.1 ounces) butter
85 grams (3.0 ounces) brown sugar
1 large egg
0.5 teaspoon vanilla paste
100 grams (3.5 ounces) flour
4 grams (0.14 ounces) baking powder

Lime, Jasmine & Green Tea Ganache

90 grams (3.2 ounces) whipping cream
5 grams (0.18 ounces) green tea with jasmine
130 grams (4.6 ounces) white chocolate 34%
110 grams (3.9 ounces) lime puree
25 grams (0.88 ounces) glucose syrup

Cream Cheese Frosting

480 grams (1 pound) cream cheese
20 grams (0.7 ounces) whipping cream
60 grams (2.1 ounces) lime, jasmine & green tea ganache
30 grams (1.06 ounces) powdered sugar

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
You'll need at least two mixing bowls: one for wet ingredients and one for dry. Stainless steel or glass bowls are often a baker's best friend as they are easy to clean and maintain the temperatures well.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer will save you time and effort when mixing the batter and frosting. A stand mixer is ideal, but a hand mixer will do the job just as well.
Sifter
Sifting flour helps to remove any lumps and aerates the flour, making it easier to mix and achieve a smooth batter.
Muffin Tin
A standard muffin tin with monophonic capsules is essential for baking cupcakes evenly. Non-stick varieties or those with silicone liners are often more convenient.
Piping Bags and Tips
Piping bags with different nozzles will make your frosting look professional. Consider getting reusable piping bags and a variety of tips for different designs.
Spatula
A heatproof spatula is perfect for mixing and folding the ingredients together. Silicone spatulas are easy to use and clean.
Blender
A blender is useful for making the ganache smooth and creamy. An immersion blender works great for small jobs like this.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Heat the milk to a boil and pour it over the poppy seeds. Mix well and set aside. Allowing poppy seeds to soak will soften them and bring out their flavor.

Step 2

Step 2: Whip the room temperature butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and salt, then whip again until well combined. Using room temperature butter helps achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 3

Step 3: Add the vanilla paste and mix thoroughly.

Step 4

Step 4: Sift the flour together with the baking powder.

Step 5

Step 5: Gradually add half of the milk with poppy seeds to the butter mixture, followed by half of the flour mixture. Repeat with the remaining milk and flour, mixing until the batter is smooth. Alternating wet and dry ingredients ensures even mixing.

Step 6

Step 6: Pour 52 grams (1.83 ounces) of the batter into monophonic capsules (1.6 inches / 4 cm high). Using a kitchen scale helps achieve consistent cupcake sizes.

Step 7

Step 7: Bake the cupcakes in an oven preheated to 320°F (160°C) for about 23 minutes. Allow them to cool completely. Cooling cupcakes completely will make them easier to frost.

Step 8

Step 8: Flavor the cream with tea and let it cool. Cooling before use ensures that the cream will whip properly.

Step 9

Step 9: Bring the lime puree and glucose syrup to a boil, then pour it over the white chocolate. Use a blender to whip the mixture until smooth.

Step 10

Step 10: Add the cold flavored cream and whip again with a blender. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate overnight. Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and the ganache to set.

Step 11

Step 11: Whip the ganache to stiff peaks before use.

Step 12

Step 12: For the frosting, all ingredients should be cold. Combine them in a bowl and whip until fluffy. Cold ingredients help achieve a stable frosting.

Step 13

Step 13: Fill the cupcakes with the ganache and pipe the cream cheese frosting on top in beautiful caps. Decorate as desired. Using a piping bag gives the frosting a professional look.

Servings

Picture this - you've just baked a batch of these divine lime, jasmine, and green tea cupcakes. How should you serve them to make them even more memorable? Here are some excellent ideas:

1. Tea Party Delight ☕ - Pair these cupcakes with a pot of green tea or jasmine tea for a delightful afternoon tea experience. Serve on a tiered tray with other mini pastries for a charming spread.

2. Dessert Extravaganza 🍰 - These cupcakes can be the showstopper of your dessert table. Arrange them on a beautiful cake stand and garnish with fresh lime zest or edible flowers to make them visually stunning.

3. Elegant Celebration 🎉 - Planning a special celebration? These cupcakes are perfect for weddings, baby showers, or any elegant event. Decorate with silver or gold edible glitter for some extra glam.

4. Everyday Treat 🥳 - Who says you need a special occasion to enjoy these cupcakes? Treat yourself on a regular day - because you deserve it! Store in an airtight container for a sweet snack anytime.

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation 🌼 - Switch out the regular flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder is also gluten-free. The result? A gluten-free treat that doesn't sacrifice taste or texture!

Vegan Variation 🌿 - Veganize this recipe by using plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) and vegan butter. Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use vegan cream cheese for the frosting. The ganache will need vegan white chocolate, which can be found at most specialty grocery stores.

Faq

Do I need to soak the poppy seeds before using them?
Yes, soaking the poppy seeds in hot milk softens them and helps release their unique flavor, making your cupcakes moist and tasty.
Why is my frosting too runny?
Ensure all the ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are cold before mixing. If it’s still runny, try refrigerating it for a while to firm up.
Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Absolutely! Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw and frost them fresh for best results.
How can I make my ganache smoother?
Using a blender helps achieve a smoother texture. Ensure you pour the hot liquid over the chocolate gradually and blend continuously for the best result.
What should I do if my ganache splits?
If your ganache splits or becomes grainy, try reheating it gently and stirring until it comes back together. You can also add a bit of warm cream to help it smooth out.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can experiment with reducing the sugar in the cupcake batter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and moisture of your cupcakes.