As I stood by the stove, the aroma of warm spices filled the kitchen, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. That’s when I knew I had to share my recipe for Moist Chai Cake with Rich Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful cake captures the essence of a comforting chai latte, blending cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger into a beautifully spiced dessert. Not only is this cake a fantastic way to impress family and friends, but it also comes together with surprisingly quick prep, making it perfect for both special occasions and simple weeknight baking. So, are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that will warm your heart and home? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe together!
Why is this Chai Cake so special?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger delivers a taste that’s both comforting and exotic.
Easily Adaptable: You can switch between layer cake and sheet cake styles, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
Effortless Creation: With straightforward steps and ingredients, even novice bakers can shine—just like in my other recipes like this delightful Butter Pecan Cake.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Friends and family will rave about this cake; it’s sure to be a conversation starter at any dessert table.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it with a cup of chai or coffee, and you’ve got the ideal treat for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home!
Chai Cake Ingredients
• Dive into a world of warming flavors with these essential Chai Cake ingredients.
For the Cake
- Butter (180g) – Adds moisture and richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (150g) – Sweetens the cake beautifully and aids in achieving that lovely golden-brown crust.
- Dark Brown Sugar (150g) – Contributes depth of flavor and additional moisture thanks to its molasses content.
- Eggs (4, large) – Vital for structure and stability; use room temperature eggs for optimal blending.
- All-Purpose Flour (330g) – The foundation of your cake; it gives the necessary structure.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Softens the flour, ensuring a tender, light cake texture.
- Ground Cardamom (1 tbsp) – Brings that warm, spicy essence of chai right into your cake.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tbsp) – Imparts warmth and is a classic flavor in chai.
- Ground Ginger (1½ tsp) – Adds a zesty heat and freshness to the spice mix.
- Ground Allspice (½ tsp) – Elevates the spice profile with its complex flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg (½ tsp) – Enhances the warm spice medley, adding a cozy aroma.
- Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp) – Provides a hint of heat that deepens the flavor.
- Baking Powder (¾ tsp) – Helps your cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Baking Soda (¾ tsp) – Works in tandem with acidic ingredients to create great lift.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors.
- Sour Cream (240g) – Adds moisture and tanginess, keeping your cake delectably tender; can be substituted with full-fat Greek yogurt for a twist.
- Vegetable Oil (60g) – Introduces additional moisture, ensuring that tender crumb we all love.
- Vanilla Extract (1½ tsp) – Lends flavor depth, enriching the overall taste of the cake.
For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- Butter (200g) – The base for your frosting, providing richness and smoothness.
- Powdered Sugar (280g) – Ensures sweetness and gives your frosting structure.
- Dark Brown Sugar (30g) – Enriches the frosting flavor, leaning into that delightful richness.
- Cream Cheese (115g) – Delivers the signature tang and creamy texture, best at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Vanilla Bean Paste (½ tsp) – Adds depth and a lovely visual appeal to your frosting.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chai Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 170ºC (340ºF). While the oven warms up, prepare two 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your Chai Cake will come out easily and without sticking, allowing for a perfect presentation once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, ground black pepper, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial, as it helps combine the spices evenly and aerates the flour, leading to a lighter texture in your Chai Cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is light and fluffy with a pale color—this will add richness and moisture to your Chai Cake’s texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in half of the dry ingredients at low speed, then adding the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking. Bake your Chai Cake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes. The cakes are done when they’re light golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they’re perfectly baked.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential, as it helps set the structure of your Chai Cake, preparing it for a delightful frosting once fully cooled.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
While the cakes cool, prepare your brown sugar cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and dark brown sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Then, add the cream cheese and vanilla bean paste, mixing at low speed for 1 minute to combine, and finish by beating by hand to eliminate any air bubbles.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are cool, level the tops if necessary, ensuring flat surfaces for stacking. Place one layer on a serving dish, spread an even layer of the brown sugar cream cheese frosting on top, and carefully place the second cake layer over it. Apply a thin coat of frosting around the sides and top, smoothing it out as desired, and decorate according to your preference.
Make Ahead Options
These Moist Chai Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the layers of the Chai Cake up to 24 hours in advance, letting them cool completely before wrapping each layer tightly in plastic wrap to keep them moist. The brown sugar cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just remember to bring it to room temperature before spreading. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost and assemble the cake—this will save you time during busy weeknights or special occasions while ensuring that your dessert is just as delicious as when freshly made!
Chai Cake Variations & Substitutions
Customize your Chai Cake to make it even more delightful, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
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Greek Yogurt: Substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy twist that adds a slight tang.
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Single Sheet Cake: Make this recipe in a single sheet pan instead of round layers, adjusting bake time to 23-25 minutes for convenience.
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Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake.
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Dairy-Free: Swap out butter and cream cheese for vegan alternatives to create a delicious plant-based version that everyone can enjoy.
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Spice Variations: Play with the spices! For an extra kick, include a touch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to infuse some heat.
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Fruity Addition: Add a cup of finely chopped apples or pears to the batter for a moist texture and a hint of natural sweetness.
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Coconut Flakes: Incorporate sweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist that harmonizes beautifully with the warm spices.
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Flavorful Frost: Instead of brown sugar frosting, try a cinnamon or maple cream cheese frosting for a different blend of gloriously sweet flavors.
Delve into these variations and make this cake your own! If you’re in the mood for more sweet indulgences, don’t forget to check out my rich Chocolate Mousse Cake or the decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake for a new favorite!
Storage Tips for Chai Cake
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Room Temperature: For best flavor and texture, enjoy your Chai Cake at room temperature. If left out, the cake can stay fresh for up to 1 day, covered loosely with a clean kitchen towel.
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Fridge: Store leftover Chai Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it back to room temperature before serving to enhance its rich flavors.
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Freezer: You can freeze un-frosted Chai Cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.
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Reheating: If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste. However, be careful not to heat it too long to avoid drying out the cake.
What to Serve with Moist Chai Cake with Rich Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
The perfect canvas for your festive gatherings, this cake invites delightful pairings that enhance its warm spice profile.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their silky texture and buttery flavor contrast beautifully with the chai cake’s rich frosting.
- Spiced Apple Cider: This warming drink echoes the chai spices, offering a cozy sip with every bite of cake.
- Roasted Veggies: A medley of earthy, caramelized vegetables adds a savory component that beautifully balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: These bittersweet treats provide a rich depth that enhances the warm flavors of the chai cake.
- Chai Tea Latte: For a seamless pairing, serve this cake with a steaming chai tea latte to amplify those comforting flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices, creating a delectable contrast.
- Pecan Pie: Another fall favorite, its nutty sweetness works harmoniously with the spicy notes from the cake.
- Ginger Snaps: These crunchy cookies resonate with your chai cake’s spices, adding delightful texture and an extra ginger kick!
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a touch of warm caramel over each slice brings an extra layer of decadence to your dessert experience.
Helpful Tricks for Chai Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and frosting for your Chai Cake.
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Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to maintain a light, fluffy texture in your cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense result.
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Proper Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. Warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, ruining your presentation.
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Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency. Conversely, if too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually.
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Custom Decor: For a unique finish, consider topping the cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or decorations like star anise, which complements the chai flavors beautifully.
Chai Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right spices for this Chai Cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for fresh ground spices rather than pre-packaged mixes. Check the expiration date on your spices; if they are over a year old, it might be time to replace them. Fresh spices enhance the aroma and depth of flavor, making your cake truly shine!
What’s the best way to store leftovers of my Chai Cake?
To keep this delightful Chai Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. This maintains its moisture and flavor. I recommend letting it come to room temperature before serving again; this makes each slice taste just as delicious as the first!
Can I freeze Chai Cake, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze un-frosted Chai Cake layers for up to 3 months! Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. On the day you plan to enjoy it, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, then frost as desired. It’s a great way to have a delicious dessert ready for special occasions!
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
Oh no! If your Chai Cake sinks, it could be due to a few reasons. Ensure that your oven is properly calibrated; sometimes the temperature can be off. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early during baking, as this can cause the cake to collapse. Lastly, make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; too much mixing can lead to dense textures and sinking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free Chai Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. If needed, you can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help with the texture. The flavors will remain rich and warm, making it a fantastic option for gluten-sensitive family and friends!
Delicious Chai Cake with Creamy Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and prepare two 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and warm spices.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by half the dry ingredients, sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 28-30 minutes until golden brown and a tester comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting by creaming butter, powdered sugar, and dark brown sugar, then incorporate cream cheese and vanilla bean paste.
- Assemble by placing one cake layer on a dish, spreading frosting on top, adding the second layer, and frosting the sides and top as desired.
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