Chop Suey Cupcakes
Chop Suey Cupcakes are moist, spiced treats with raisins and warm spices, perfect for autumn gatherings and those who enjoy flavorful, fruity baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, raisins, shortening, ground cloves, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Bring to a boil and boil together for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder together.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the cooled mixture and blend in vanilla.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a different sweetness level, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly or use coconut sugar. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Ensure the mixture cools completely before adding the dry ingredients to prevent clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cupcakes as a delightful treat at gatherings or as a unique dessert option. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider topping with a light glaze or dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their appearance. For a contrasting flavor, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy them at room temperature. They can also be enjoyed cold as a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chop Suey Cupcakes contains roughly 1325 calories, with 13g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the raisins with another dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried apricots can work well in this recipe. Each will bring a different flavor and sweetness level, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
What can I use if I don’t have shortening?
If you don’t have shortening, you can use an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will slightly change the texture but will still yield delicious results. Just ensure that whatever fat you choose is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Substitute the shortening with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and replace the vanilla with a splash of almond extract for added flavor. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).