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    Home » 3-2-1 Microwave Mug Cake » 3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake

    3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake

    By Wendy Sondov · Published: Oct 7, 2015 · Modified: Apr 26, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This is a mug cake for everyone who can’t get enough of autumn’s biggest flavor sensation, pumpkin spice latte. 3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake is a microwave mug cake ready in 1 minute to satisfy seasonally induced Starbucks cravings.

    3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake

    A frenzy of enthusiasm for pumpkin treats peaks in October. Have you seen all of the pumpkin items at Trader Joe’s this time of year? There are more than 40!

    For a limited time, sweet or savory pumpkin makes its way into beverages, soups, snacks, and desserts. Some of the products are great. I stock up on pumpkin bread mix and turn it into pumpkin muffies that taste just like Panera pumpkin muffies.

    Some of the products are less appealing to me. Pumpkin mochi ice cream and pumpkin spice coffee won’t be in my shopping cart.

    3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake
    Though pumpkin is a flavor obviously loved by many, it is mysteriously reserved for enjoyment only in the fall. Who created this pumpkin rule? I know it is a fall harvested vegetable, but many people use pumpkin from a can and canned pumpkin is always available.

    As a pumpkin fan, I like to have pumpkin on the menu all year. 3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake quenches seasonable or unseasonable cravings for a quick and easy pumpkin dessert.

    3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte CakeI tried several ways to make a pumpkin 3-2-1 cake. Gingerbread cake mix or spice cake mix (often available only seasonally) can be used, but the pumpkin flavor is hidden by the prominent spices.

    Pumpkin pie filling can be used instead of the pumpkin puree, but it contains a lot of sugar. The sweet pie filling and the sweet cake mix is too much sweetness.

    3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake
    The recipe below, made with ingredients that are available all year, is the winner. I keep a bag of vanilla “3-2-1 cake magic mix” in the pantry. Vanilla is a great base for adding flavors.

    The pumpkin and chai are complimented by the warm vanilla. There is just enough sweetness from the cake mix and chai powder. The pumpkin puree (not pie filling) makes such a moist cake that this 3-2-1 cake tastes just as good once it cools as it does straight from the microwave!

    3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake
    Using just 3 shelf-stable ingredients, 3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake is great for college or military care packages, as well as at home. Feel free to bend foodie rules and enjoy 3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake any time of year.

    More microwave mug cakes

    Cake Mix Mug Cakes teaches you all the tips and tricks for making one minute microwave cakes using shelf stable ingredients.

    Red, White, and Blueberry Mug Cake is an individual serving of patriotic funfetti cake bursting with sweet cherry and blueberry pie filling.

    Boston Cream Pie Cake in a Mug is a one minute microwave cake with two layers of vanilla sponge cake filled with vanilla custard and topped with a chocolate glaze!

    Strawberry Lemonade Mug Cake has soft, fluffy strawberry cake topped with creamy lemon filling and crunchy freeze dried strawberries.

    3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake

    3-2-1 Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Cake

    This microwave mug cake tastes just like the popular Starbucks drink and it's ready to eat in just one minute!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute
    Total Time: 3 minutes
    Servings: 24
    Calories: 155kcal
    Author: Wendy Sondov

    Ingredients

    • 1 box Angel Food Cake mix
    • 1 box vanilla cake mix
    • Water
    • Non-stick spray
    • 1 can pumpkin puree
    • 1 can chai latte powder mix
    • Confectioners’ sugar optional

    Instructions

    • In a gallon sized ziplock bag, combine the two boxes of cake mix. Shake the bag to mix thoroughly.
    • Lightly coat the inside of a microwaveable mug with non-stick spray or use a disposable microwave-safe paper cup. Without the spray, the cake will not transfer out of the mug and the mug is harder to clean. If using a microwave-safe paper cup, no spray is needed.
    • Into the prepared mug/ paper cup, stir together 3 tablespoons of cake mix, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon chai latte powder mix. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
    • Sprinkle the top of the cake with confectioners’ sugar, then eat it right out of the mug. To transfer the cake onto a plate, run a knife around the edge between the cake and the mug to loosen, turn out onto a plate, then add the confectioners’ sugar.

    Notes

    Packing tips
    • Combine the two cake mixes into a gallon-size ziplock bag labeled with directions.
    • Include a measuring spoon, pumpkin puree, and chai latte mix.
    • If the care package is international, include microwave safe paper cups and omit the non-stick spray.
    • If the care package is domestic, add either a can of non-stick spray (for use with a ceramic mug) or microwave safe paper cups (highly recommended for college students).
    • Don’t forget to include the “recipe”.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 2756IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheMondayBox or tag #themondaybox!

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    Comments

    1. April

      October 19, 2017 at 3:59 am

      Can you use chai from the box?(liquid)

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 19, 2017 at 2:51 pm

        Hi, April! I think liquid chai would work well with this recipe. You may have to do a little experimenting, but I would start by using the liquid chai instead of the water (2 tablespoons). The spice is already in the chai so no extra dry flavoring would be needed. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. frugal hausfrau

      October 25, 2016 at 9:34 pm

      Now this is cool! Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!

      Mollie

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 25, 2016 at 10:14 pm

        Thanks, Mollie! 3-2-1 cakes still amaze me, even after publishing more than a dozen varieties! This one is great for fall pumpkin mania! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Miz Helen

      October 22, 2016 at 12:13 pm

      I really enjoy a delicious Latte and your recipe looks awesome! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and come back soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 22, 2016 at 12:40 pm

        Thanks, Miz Helen! This quickie snack really does taste like a pumpkin chai latte!

        Reply
    4. Gina

      November 27, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      This looks so amazing I wish I had one right now!

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        November 27, 2015 at 8:05 pm

        These 3-2-1 cakes are super easy, Gina. No real baking involved. Because I use all shelf stable ingredients (for care package sending), often the ingredients are things sitting on kitchen shelves anyway. On one hand that’s good. On the other hand, its so easy that it can be “dangerous”! 🙂
        p.s. I’ve had enthusuastic response sending 3-2-1 cake ingredients plus recipe in military care packages to troops with access to a microwave!

        Reply
    5. Paula K.

      October 17, 2015 at 1:28 pm

      Wendy,
      I have a question when doing the 3-2-1 microwave cakes is it a level Tablespoons of the cake mix or sort a a heaping Tablespoon? Thanks

      Paula K.

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 17, 2015 at 1:40 pm

        Hi, Paula! I use level tablespoons. In a 6 oz. paper cup or tea cup, 3 tablespoons of cake mix is just right. For the larger mugs I used in this recipe, I used 4 tablespoon and about 2 1/2 tablespoons of water. Its not an exact science. I play with the amount of cake mix a few times until I like the amount of cake in the cup.I think that if you heaped the tablespoons, you might need to add a little additional water. Don’t increase the pumpkin though. When I added more than one tablespoon of pumpkin, I got a gloppy, heavy mess. Not appetizing at all! 🙂 I hope this helps. Let me know!

        Reply
    6. Ashley

      October 13, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      haha oh gosh I know – the range of pumpkin items to buy is crazy right now at the stores! This cake is so fun Wendy! Definitely so perfect for this time of the year!

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 17, 2015 at 1:41 pm

        Thanks, Ashley! I think we might be in pumpkin overload right now, but everyone seems to love pumpkin so much, I couldn’t resist a quick and easy 3-2-1 pumpkin cake! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Monica

      October 13, 2015 at 7:49 am

      This cake looks so moist and I love the presentation in the glass mugs…looks just like a pumpkin spice latte, only better since it’s cake!

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 17, 2015 at 1:44 pm

        Thank you, Monica! After playing with this 3-2-1 cake, I am really intrigued about using pumpkin in baked recipes to add moisture and silky texture! Have you used pumpkin in baking and found it added so much to the texture?

        Reply
    8. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert

      October 10, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      Another lovely idea Wendy – great flavors and so easy – thank you!

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 10, 2015 at 3:30 pm

        Thanks, Tricia! A reader asked me if I had made a microwave pumpkin cake (I hadn’t) and it got me thinking and experimenting. No one can miss the pumpkin spice latte craze right now, so I jumped right in! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Sandra

      October 10, 2015 at 11:41 am

      Ya! Who said we can only eat pumpkin in the fall? I love that you added chai to this cake recipe… my other favorite fall flavor.

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 10, 2015 at 12:45 pm

        Thanks, Sandra! I recently read that in Australia they eat pumpkin year round but rarely in desserts. I have the ingredients for this 3-2-1 cake in my kitchen cabinet all the time anyway, I might as well eat cake! 😉

        Reply
    10. Ilana

      October 10, 2015 at 10:33 am

      Looks delish!

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        October 10, 2015 at 10:36 am

        Thanks, Ilana! The pumpkin adds flavor, color, AND texture. The texture is so moist that no one would know it wasn’t baked in the oven!

        Reply

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    I'm Wendy, a baker, care package maker, and smile creator. On The Monday Box you’ll find care package inspiration and recipes for delicious treats that make it easy for you to share home baked love. Let’s spread happiness, one cookie at a time!

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