Chai Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in warmth and comfort, then this Chai Cake is just what you need! This delightful cake is infused with the cozy spices of chai tea, making it a perfect treat for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy weekend at home, or a quick pick-me-up during a busy weeknight. The combination of moist cake layers and luscious cream cheese frosting makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why this recipe holds such a special place in my heart.

Baking this Chai Cake is not only fun but also rewarding. The wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes will have everyone asking when they can dig in! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that even novice bakers will shine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices make this cake incredibly delicious and comforting.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can make this cake!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the rich flavors and fluffy texture.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake ahead of time and enjoy it later; it stays fresh for days!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon snack, this cake fits right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Chai Cake is part of the fun! These are all simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you need to create this scrumptious dessert.

For the 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

For the 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

Variations

One of the best parts about baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to customize this Chai Cake to match your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor!
• Mix in fruit: Fresh apples or pears can add moisture and sweetness—perfect for fall!
• Spice it up: If you love more spice, consider adding extra ginger or cloves for a bolder flavor.
• Frosting alternatives: Try a whipped coconut cream frosting for a lighter twist.

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because starting with a hot oven ensures that your cake rises beautifully and gets that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the mixture, which helps create a light texture in your cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Next, add the eggs one at a time to your butter mixture. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps ensure an even mixture throughout.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all those lovely spices—cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients separately allows for even distribution when combined with wet ingredients.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamed butter mixture while alternating with the sour cream and vegetable oil. Start with dry ingredients and end with them! This method keeps everything well-blended without overmixing.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into prepared cake pans (make sure you’ve greased them well!). Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them around the 25-minute mark; every oven is different!

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked to perfection, let your cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial; if you frost too soon, everything will melt into a gooey mess!

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While your cakes are cooling down, prepare that dreamy frosting! Beat together room-temperature butter with powdered sugar and dark brown sugar until creamy. Then mix in the cream cheese until smooth along with vanilla bean paste.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once your cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Finish by frosting the top and sides of your beautiful Chai Cake!

And there you have it—a stunning Chai Cake ready to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Chai Cake

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your Chai Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking. Cold ingredients can lead to a denser cake.
• Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so using a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly will keep your ratios perfect. Too much flour or sugar can alter the texture and flavor of your chai cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake instead of the fluffy texture we all love.
• Check for doneness: Every oven is different! Start checking your cake around the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
• Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake layers to cool fully before frosting prevents the frosting from melting. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful layer of cream cheese frosting you desire.

How to Serve Chai Cake

Serving your Chai Cake can be as delightful as baking it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of cinnamon on top not only looks attractive but also enhances the chai flavor. Just use a small sieve to sprinkle it evenly.
• Fresh fruit: Add sliced pears or apples on the side for a fresh contrast that balances the richness of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm spices in chai cake and adds a delightful contrast in temperature.
• Masala chai: Serve slices of chai cake alongside a warm cup of masala chai for an extra cozy experience that embraces those aromatic spices.
• Fruit compote: A simple homemade fruit compote (like apricot or berry) adds a sweet-tart element that balances out the rich flavors of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It’s light, fluffy, and adds an exotic twist that complements the chai spices beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Chai Cake will surely impress at any gathering! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chai Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance for parties or gatherings, and its flavors only get better over time. Here’s how to store and handle this delightful dessert.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your leftover Chai Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it can last up to a week.
• If you have frosted slices, keep them in the fridge to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s texture.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for added protection.
• The Chai Cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm slice of cake, microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious Chai Cake!

Can I use different spices in my Chai Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding nutmeg or cloves can give your cake an extra depth of flavor.

How can I make my Chai Cake even more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor profile of your Chai Cake, consider steeping your sour cream with chai tea bags before adding it to the batter. This will infuse even more chai goodness!

What type of frosting goes well with Chai Cake?

The brown sugar cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with this Chai Cake. However, you could also try a simple vanilla buttercream if you prefer something lighter.

How long does Chai Cake last?

When stored properly, your Chai Cake will last about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Freezing extends its life to several months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this delightful Chai Cake! With its cozy blend of spices and creamy frosting, it’s truly a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging yourself on a quiet evening, this recipe is bound to bring smiles all around. Enjoy making it and savor every bite—happy baking!