Chai Cake Recipe

If you adore the warm, inviting spices of a cozy chai latte, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chai Cake. Imagine biting into a tender, moist cake that carries the rich aromas of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and a hint of pepper, perfectly balanced in every slice. This Chai Cake is a delightful twist on classic spice cakes, elevated by a luscious cream cheese frosting that brings everything together with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a comforting slice, this cake warms your heart and fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent that’s pure happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list straightforward but flavorful is key to nailing the magic of this Chai Cake. Each element plays a crucial role, from the mix of aromatic spices to the creamy frosting, ensuring your cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured.

• Butter (180 g, room temperature): Adds richness and creates a tender crumb in the cake.
• Granulated sugar (150 g): Provides sweetness and structure.
• Dark brown sugar (150 g): Brings a deep molasses flavor and moisture.
• Large eggs (4, room temperature): Essential for binding and adding moisture.
• All-purpose flour (330 g): The base that gives the cake its structure.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps soften the cake’s texture.
• Ground cardamom (1 tbsp): Gives a sweet, floral spice that’s signature to chai flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): The warm, comforting spice that defines chai.
• Ground ginger (1 ½ tsp): Adds a spicy kick that livens up the cake.
• Ground allspice (½ tsp): Enhances the overall spice complexity.
• Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Offers a subtle nutty warmth.
• Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): The secret ingredient adding a delightful, mild heat.
• Baking powder (¾ tsp): Helps the cake rise evenly.
• Baking soda (¾ tsp): Provides lift and tenderness.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances and enhances the flavors.
• Sour cream (240 g, room temperature): Keeps the cake moist with a tender crumb.
• Vegetable oil (60 g): Adds extra softness and moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 ½ tsp): Elevates the aromatic profile.
• Butter for frosting (200 g, room temperature): Creates a creamy, luscious texture.
• Powdered sugar (280 g): Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
• Dark brown sugar for frosting (30 g): Adds a subtle caramel depth to the frosting.
• Full-fat cream cheese (115 g, room temperature): Gives the frosting a tangy, rich finish.
• Vanilla bean paste (½ tsp): Infuses the frosting with pure vanilla flavor and speckled beauty.

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Prep and Sift Your Spices and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and lining two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. This simple step sets the stage for even baking. Sift together your flour, cornstarch, and the warming chai spices—cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper—along with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting not only evenly distributes those aromatic spices but also ensures your cake is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Whip them until light and fluffy; this air incorporation is crucial for a tender cake. You’ll notice the mixture turn pale and creamy, a good sign that your cake will have just the right texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flour Alternately

Add your eggs one at a time, fully mixing each before adding the next—this helps maintain that light batter. Then, add half of your flour and spice mixture on low speed, just until combined. Follow with sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. These help keep the cake moist and tender. Finish by adding the remaining flour, mixing just until everything comes together; overmixing can toughen the batter, so gentle folds with a rubber spatula ensure a perfect crumb.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans and bake for about 28 to 30 minutes. The cake layers will remain quite light in color, so don’t rely on browning alone—insert a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness; it should come out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in their pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re in Europe, it’s recommended to press the cream cheese with paper towels to remove extra moisture. In a stand mixer, cream the butter with powdered and brown sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla bean paste and cream cheese, blending on low speed to prevent air bubbles. Finally, mix by hand with a spatula to get a smooth, velvety frosting—perfect for layering and spreading.

Step 6: Assemble Your Chai Cake

Level your cake layers by trimming the tops flat. Place the first layer on your serving plate or cake board. Spread three generous scoops of cream cheese frosting evenly, then top with the second layer. Finish with a thin “naked-style” coating of frosting on the outside to let the spices peek through. Decorate with a dusting of cinnamon and maybe some cinnamon sticks or star anise for that chai vibe.

How to Serve Chai Cake

Garnishes

To echo the flavors inside your Chai Cake, try garnishing with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few whole star anise on top. Thin slices of crystallized ginger or edible gold leaf can add an elegant touch. These little details not only make the cake look stunning but also deepen the chai experience in every bite.

Side Dishes

A warm chai latte or a cup of spiced black tea complements this cake beautifully, doubling down on its cozy theme. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream brings cooling contrast to the spiced warmth, making each serving feel like a little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Why stick with the traditional round cake? Try baking this batter in muffin tins or a loaf pan for smaller, shareable treats perfect for afternoon tea. You could even serve slices on a wooden board alongside fresh fruit like poached pears or spiced apples, embracing that warm, comforting vibe that chai evokes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chai Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best kept cool and will maintain its freshness for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the flavors and texture soften beautifully.

Freezing

This Chai Cake freezes well! Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze unfrosted layers and frost them after thawing. This way, you preserve the texture and flavor perfectly.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your cake after refrigeration or freezing, slice a piece and let it come to room temperature naturally. If you prefer it warm, gently microwave a single slice for 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use different spices to make this Chai Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; however, the combination of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger is what gives this Chai Cake its signature flavor. Adding or substituting spices like cloves or star anise can be fun, but try to keep the balance so the cake remains flavorful and harmonious.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in the batter?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness, resulting in an ultra-tender crumb. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with full-fat yogurt or buttermilk, but keep in mind it might slightly change the texture and flavor complexity.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Transforming this Chai Cake into a vegan dessert would require some substitutions like using plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. While possible, the traditional richness and texture come from dairy and eggs, so expect a slightly different, yet still delicious, cake.

How do I know when my Chai Cake is done baking?

Because this cake stays light in color, don’t rely on browning. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked. Oven times may vary, so begin checking at around 25 minutes.

What’s the best way to frost the cake smoothly?

Chilling your cake layers before frosting can help reduce crumbs. Use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly, and if you want a smooth finish, refrigerate the frosted cake for a bit and then go over it with the spatula again. For a more rustic look, simpler “naked” frosting works wonderfully with the chai theme.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cake is truly a slice of comfort and joy—spiced just right, tender to the bite, and frosted with luscious cream cheese goodness. It’s a fantastic way to bring the essence of chai into your kitchen in cake form, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo alongside your favorite tea. Trust me, once you try making and tasting this Chai Cake, it will become one of your go-to recipes for every season that calls for a little warmth and sweetness.

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