Chai Cake Recipe – A Perfectly Spiced Dessert

Warm, aromatic, and delightfully spiced, this chai cake is the ultimate treat for tea lovers. Infused with classic chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, this cake is as comforting as your favorite cup of chai. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for celebrations, cozy evenings, or any time you crave something special.

What Is Chai Cake?

Chai cake brings the flavors of masala chai—India’s famous spiced tea—into a soft and tender cake. The combination of spices, rich buttery flavor, and creamy frosting creates a dessert that is both unique and irresistibly delicious. Serve it as a centerpiece for gatherings or enjoy it with a steaming cup of chai for the ultimate indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Spiced: Balanced flavors from cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and more.
• Moist and Tender: The combination of butter and milk ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
• Versatile: Great for birthdays, holidays, or simply pairing with afternoon tea.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or cooled chai tea

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk (or chai tea) to the wet ingredients, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Baking the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth.
3. Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon, beating until well combined.

Assembling the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
2. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering the sides and top evenly.
3. For decoration, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or garnish with crushed cardamom.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a warm cup of chai, coffee, or even hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Serve with fresh fruit like berries or poached pears for a refreshing contrast.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual slices or the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, eggs with flaxseed eggs, and cream cheese with a dairy-free option.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of black pepper or increase the ginger for a spicier kick.
• Tea-Infused: Use chai tea concentrate instead of milk for a stronger chai flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them, wrapped, at room temperature. Frost just before serving.

What if I don’t have all the spices?
You can substitute with a pre-made chai spice blend or focus on cinnamon and cardamom as the primary flavors.

Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely. A simple vanilla buttercream or whipped cream frosting would also pair beautifully with this cake.

This chai cake is a celebration of warm, cozy flavors that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a dessert that’s sure to bring smiles all around. Ready to bake? Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out!

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