Chai Cake Recipe

Imagine a cake that hugs you with warm spices and the comforting aroma of a cozy afternoon tea. This Chai Cake is exactly that delight—a tender, moist cake infused with a perfectly balanced blend of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of pepper that wakes up your senses. Topped with a luxuriously smooth brown sugar cream cheese frosting, this cake feels both indulgent and inviting, making it a true showstopper for any occasion or a sweet escape in your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chai Cake plays a vital role, coming together to create layers of flavor and texture that feel both rich and comforting. From the aromatic spices that define its character to the creamy tang of sour cream, everything is essential for that perfect balance.

• Butter (180 g room temperature): Provides richness and tenderness to the cake crumb.
• Granulated sugar (150 g): Sweetens the cake evenly and helps with texture.
• Dark brown sugar (150 g): Adds deep molasses notes, enhancing the warmth of the spices.
• Large eggs (4, room temperature): Bind ingredients and add moisture and structure.
• All-purpose flour (330 g): The base that holds everything together with softness.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Keeps the cake delicately tender.
• Ground cardamom (1 tablespoon): A fragrant spice that brings a floral and citrusy note.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Classic chai spice that deepens the warmth.
• Ground ginger (1 ½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and zing.
• Ground allspice (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the spice mix with clove-like undertones.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Provides a sweet, nutty aroma.
• Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick to brighten the spices.
• Baking powder (¾ teaspoon): Helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Baking soda (¾ teaspoon): Works with sour cream for lift and tenderness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• Sour cream (240 g, room temperature): Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance sweetness.
• Vegetable oil (60 g): Keeps the cake exceptionally moist without heaviness.
• Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoon): Lifts the spices and adds depth.

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and all those wonderful chai spices—cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper—along with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents, which is crucial for a consistent, flavorful bake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and dark brown sugars until light and fluffy. This process not only dissolves the sugars but also incorporates air, forming a light base essential for the cake’s delicate crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. This gradual mixing helps maintain the batter’s emulsion for a smooth texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients Alternately

Begin adding half of your dry flour and spice mixture to the batter on low speed to prevent dust clouds and overmixing. Then, fold in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract—these wet ingredients add moisture and richness without weighing down the cake. Finish by adding the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Gentle folding here keeps the crumb tender and avoids toughness.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly into two prepared 8-inch cake pans lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 170ºC (340ºF) for about 28-30 minutes. The cake won’t brown much due to the light sugar content but test with a toothpick to check for doneness—it should come out clean. Let your cake layers cool completely to set up that perfect texture.

Step 6: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools, whip together room temperature butter with powdered sugar and dark brown sugar until fluffy and smooth. Add vanilla bean paste and cream cheese, then mix on low speed to combine. This frosting is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, complementing the chai spices beautifully.

Step 7: Assemble Your Chai Cake

Trim the domed tops of your cakes so they stack evenly. Place one layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting, then top with the second layer. Coat the outside of the cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting for a trendy naked cake look. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or decorate with star anise and cinnamon sticks for a festive chai vibe.

How to Serve Chai Cake

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter for this chai cake! Dusting the top with cinnamon powder or crushed cardamom pods adds extra aroma. Whole spices like star anise or cinnamon sticks placed artfully on the cake bring an inviting, warm look that hints at the flavors inside. Edible gold dust can also add a touch of glamour if you’re celebrating something special.

Side Dishes

Chai Cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of masala chai or black tea to echo its spiced charm. For those wanting a contrast, creamy chai-spiked latte or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside a slice offers a luscious balance. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or dried figs also make excellent accompaniments, complementing both texture and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this chai cake into mini cupcakes for a party or make it as a sheet cake for convenient slicing at gatherings. Another fun idea is layering it parfait-style in clear glasses with frosting and crushed ginger snaps in between for an elegant visual treat. Whichever way you choose, its warm spices and creamy frosting promise smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chai cake keeps beautifully in the fridge when stored in an airtight container, thanks to the cream cheese frosting. To enjoy the best flavor and texture, bring slices to room temperature before serving so the spices and cream cheese can bloom fully on your palate.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and assembling to keep the crumb moist. Frosted cake can also be frozen but should be well wrapped to prevent freezer burn; thaw carefully in the fridge.

Reheating

For the perfect slice experience, avoid heating the frosting. Simply allow refrigerated or thawed cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving—this warmth unlocks the chai cake’s tender crumb and enhances the buttery cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream?

Absolutely! Full-fat Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute for sour cream in this chai cake, offering similar moisture and tang with a slight difference in texture. Just use it in a 1:1 ratio.

Why does this Chai Cake not brown much?

Because the sugar content is partially replaced with brown sugar and the temperature is moderate, the cake stays light in color. It’s normal—testing doneness with a toothpick rather than relying on color is key.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Converting this chai cake to vegan would require swaps like vegan butter, flax or chia eggs, and plant-based sour cream alternatives. The spice mix stays the same, but texture and rise may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use all the chai spices?

While each spice adds depth and complexity, you could simplify by focusing on cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger if you want. However, the signature chai cake flavor depends on the full spice spectrum.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the frosted chai cake stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. For best taste, consume within that timeframe.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cake is one of those recipes you want to share and keep coming back to. With its warm spices, tender crumb, and luscious cream cheese frosting, it brings comfort and delight every time. So go on, bake this charming cake and fill your home with the cozy, irresistible scent of spiced chai—your new favorite will surely become a cherished classic!

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