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Chai Cake Recipe

Chai Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

This Chai Cake is a spiced, moist layer cake infused with warming chai spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, perfectly paired with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. Its subtle spice and creamy frosting make it an ideal treat for cozy afternoons or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 180 g butter (room temperature)
  • 150 g granulated sugar
  • 150 g dark brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 330 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 240 g sour cream (room temperature)
  • 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 200 g butter (room temperature)
  • 280 g powdered sugar
  • 30 g dark brown sugar
  • 115 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your conventional oven to 170ºC (340ºF). Line two 20 cm (8 inch) cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  5. Add Flour and Wet Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add half of the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Then add the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract and mix gently. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and combine, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold Batter: Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the batter, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined.
  7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Note the cakes will remain light in color when done.
  8. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans on a rack for 5 minutes, then carefully remove from pans and cool completely on the rack.
  9. Prepare Frosting: (If using European cream cheese, press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture.) Sift powdered sugar. Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar on high speed for 3 minutes. Scrape sides and beat 1 more minute.
  10. Add Cream Cheese and Flavor: Add vanilla bean paste and cream cheese, mix on low speed for 1 minute until smooth. Remove bowl and beat by hand with a spatula to remove air bubbles.
  11. Trim Cake Layers: Level the tops of the cakes by cutting off any domed parts to ensure flat layers for stacking.
  12. Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving dish. Spread 3 generous scoops of frosting evenly over the top. Add second layer and apply a thin crumb coat frosting layer around the cake for a semi-naked look.
  13. Decorate: Decorate with a dusting of cinnamon, star anise, and cinnamon sticks on top and sides for a beautiful chai-inspired presentation.
  14. Store: Keep the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients (butter, eggs, sour cream, cream cheese) are at room temperature for smooth batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix cake batter to keep it tender and light.
  • The cake layers do not brown much, so rely on the clean toothpick test to check doneness.
  • If cream cheese is watery, pat dry with paper towels to prevent frosting from becoming runny.
  • Chai spices can be adjusted to taste; add more or less to suit preferences.
  • The cake keeps well refrigerated; let it warm up before serving to enhance flavor and softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chai cake, spiced cake, cream cheese frosting, cardamom cake, cinnamon cake, ginger cake, chai spices dessert

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/chai-cake-recipe/