This post is sponsored by Celestial Seasonings.

IMG_0869

There is so much awesomeness packed into this post that I don’t know where to start.  Obviously, tea-infused cupcakes would be a good place, but let’s talk about this cupcake stand for just a moment.

IMG_0841

Would you believe that this stand is actually a charger, two upside-down plates, and two plastic cups all glued together?  Yup.

diy cupcake stand

I love the look of rustic DIY cupcake stands that use colorful china plates and teacups, but this shiny silver + beveled glass look is very holiday-ish. And *much* cheaper than buying a real cupcake stand.

 

Okay… onto those cupcakes.

 

Celestial Seasonings has a variety of special holiday teas, but my favorite is Candy Cane Lane, a blend of decaffeinated green tea with “cool peppermint, creamy vanilla and a dash of cinnamon.”

IMG_0848

These cupcakes are infused with Candy Cane Lane tea, both in the actual cupcake itself and in the rich buttercream icing.  Serve up the cupcakes with some hot cups of the actual tea, and I promise your holiday guests will go nuts!

IMG_0852

Click through for the recipe.

IMG_0865

Candy Cane Lane Tea Cupcakes and Icing (makes 10 gluten-free cupcakes)

 

CUPCAKES:

  • 3 Candy Cane Lane Tea bags
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (I used Glutino)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

 

ICING:

  • 7 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 Candy Cane Lane Tea bags

 

Directions:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • On the stovetop, bring the milk to a near boil.  Pour hot milk into a coffee cup over the first three teabags. Let steep for 5 minutes exactly, squeeze tea bags to remove excess liquid, and set aside.
  • In a stand mixer, combine butter and sugar for 2 minutes.  Add in eggs and beat slowly until combined.  Add flour, baking powder, salt, and tea milk. Beat until combined.
  • Pour into 10 cupcake tins and bake for 14 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • To make the icing, steep 1 tea bag in three tablespoons of water for five minutes. Set aside to cool thoroughly before proceeding (put in the fridge to make it cool faster). In the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, combine softened butter, sugar, tea water, and the contents of one tea bag. Beat for at least 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.  Ice cooled cupcakes.

IMG_0837

Here’s the cool thing about this recipe.  I made a gluten-free version using special all-purpose GF flour, but you could apply the basic concept to any plain cupcake recipe.  Just be sure to infuse the milk with the tea bags, and skip any ingredients that would add flavoring (like vanilla or cinnamon).  But I definitely recommend you make this specific icing recipe – it’s really good!  Actually opening up a teabag into the icing really gives it a ton of flavor (and a pretty confetti texture).  And while I love Candy Cane Lane tea, you could use any flavor – Earl Grey would be amazing.

IMG_0862

Enjoy!

 

This post is sponsored by Celestial Seasonings.  Thanks, as always, for reading sponsored content. It helps provide for my family, and I truly appreciate it.

{ 25 comments }

 

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More December 1, 2014, 9:10 am

    WHAT?! Now I must figure out how to make it gluten AND dairy-free for the lactose intolerant one right here because those look AMAZING! And I love Candy Cane Lane tea!

    • Caitlin December 1, 2014, 10:10 am

      Try swapping out the milk for almond milk and the butter for Earth Balance – I bet it would work!

  • Erica { EricaDHouse.com } December 1, 2014, 9:16 am

    I’ve made a similar cake stand using the base of a candle stick holder.
    The cupcakes look delicious! Love the Candy Cane Lane tea.

  • Jess December 1, 2014, 10:25 am

    These sound amazing! Now I’m dreaming up all the teas I could make into cupcakes!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed December 1, 2014, 10:26 am

    Sooooo no baby yet?!?! 😀

    • Caitlin December 1, 2014, 10:29 am

      Nope 🙂 I made it to my due date! Excited 🙂

  • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen December 1, 2014, 11:14 am

    This looks soooo yummy!!!

  • Cat December 1, 2014, 11:17 am

    I’m all about the festive teas right now! Bought a load today – lots of cinnamon and cloves! I need to track down those candy cane lane ones here in the UK though – think Whole Foods needs a visit…

  • Sarah December 1, 2014, 11:30 am

    Candy Cane Lane is one of my favorite teas. I can’t wait to try this recipe!

  • Aerevyn December 1, 2014, 12:32 pm

    Earl Grey cupcakes. Sounds subtle and delish.

  • Alexa December 1, 2014, 4:04 pm

    I REALLY wanted to try the Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride tea, but then saw it has gluten. =(
    That said, I love the Candy Cane Lane as well.

    • Caitlin December 2, 2014, 10:19 am

      I know! I was SOO sad when I realized it wasn’t gluten free 🙁

  • Samantha December 1, 2014, 9:32 pm

    I wish they didn’t add soy lecithin to the flavored teas! 🙁 I’m sensitive to soy and avoid it completely.

  • Sagan December 2, 2014, 12:32 pm

    Oh that cupcake stand is adorable! ♥

    And those cupcakes… mmmmm.

  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork December 2, 2014, 12:55 pm

    I have never baked or cooked with tea, though I’ve been wanting to. Thanks for sharing this recipe–doesn’t seem scary in the least. In fact, seems pretty easy and delicious!

  • Amy December 2, 2014, 7:14 pm

    Where did u buy the cup and plates I really want to make this car stand

    Thanks

    • Caitlin December 3, 2014, 12:02 pm

      Target!

  • Alex @ True Femme December 3, 2014, 10:53 am

    I love this idea! I never would have thought to actually put the contents of the tea bag in the icing but I so want to try it! I might add a few drops of red vegetable dye to make it more festive for a holiday party 🙂

  • Kelly December 3, 2014, 7:23 pm

    Just an FYI, most charger plates as I understand it are not food safe so I’d be careful about turning them into a cake stand.

  • Tonya December 9, 2014, 8:52 am

    OMG you are right! There IS so much awesome in this post! That tea stand is beautiful! and tea infused MILK is brilliant. I was thinking tea water, and it had me skeptical, but this will keep it rich and flavorful. Also, adding the actual TEA in the icing. Again, so much awesome. 🙂

  • Aaron Elizabeth December 15, 2014, 11:45 am

    Just be careful, the Sugar Cookie Tea isn’t gluten-free! It’s made with barley leaves 🙁

Healthy Tipping Point