Chai Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that wraps you in warmth and flavor, you’ve found it with this Chai Cake! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it combines the comforting spices of chai with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Imagine serving this at family gatherings, or enjoying a slice on a cozy afternoon with friends. It’s the perfect cake for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating or just indulging yourself after a long day.

The magic of this Chai Cake lies in its moist layers and the rich, spiced taste that feels like a warm hug. Once you try it, I promise it will become a cherished recipe in your collection too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and Cozy Flavors: The blend of spices like cardamom and cinnamon creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this cake with confidence.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet, spiced layers and creamy frosting—perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it a day in advance! It tastes even better after resting overnight as the flavors meld beautifully.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday or just a regular Tuesday, this cake always brings smiles to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this amazing Chai Cake! You likely have many of these items in your pantry already, making this recipe as accessible as it is delicious.

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 things about this Chai Cake is how flexible it is! Here are some fun ideas to make it your own:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Substitute Yogurt: Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
• Include Dried Fruits: Mix in some raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For an indulgent touch, serve slices with whipped cream on top.

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by creaming together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it adds air into your mixture, creating a light texture that will make each bite melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure they’re at room temperature; this helps them blend smoothly into the batter. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract—this adds that lovely aromatic flavor!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mixing these ingredients separately ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your cake.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Incorporate sour cream and vegetable oil into your butter mixture. The sour cream keeps the cake moist while oil adds richness.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want to keep that lovely fluffiness we created earlier!

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into prepared baking pans and bake until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as it bakes!

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While your cakes cool down, beat together room-temperature butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and dark brown sugar until smooth. Lastly, stir in vanilla bean paste for additional flavor.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, layer your chai cakes with generous amounts of frosting between each layer. Spread more frosting on top and around the sides for that beautiful finish.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Chai Cake! It’s truly a treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring alone—either way, you’ll be glad you made it!

Pro Tips for Making Chai Cake

Baking can be a wonderful experience, and with these tips, your Chai Cake will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature ensures they mix together smoothly, creating a tender cake texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing the flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to avoid developing gluten in the flour, which could make your cake tough. A light hand is key!
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. This helps prevent overbaking.
• Let it cool completely before frosting: Allowing your cakes to cool fully will help the frosting adhere better and maintain its shape. Patience pays off here!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Presenting your Chai Cake beautifully can enhance both its appearance and flavor. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of ground cinnamon will not only elevate visual appeal but also enhance that warm spice aroma.
• Fresh fruit slices: Serve with thin slices of pear or apple on the side to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices beautifully and adds a lovely contrast in texture.
• Spiced chai tea: Pair your cake with a warm cup of spiced chai tea to amplify those aromatic flavors and create a comforting experience.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits can add brightness and lighten up your dessert table while balancing out the sweetness of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whip up some coconut cream sweetened lightly with maple syrup for an indulgent yet light accompaniment.

Enjoy every slice of this warm, spiced Chai Cake! It’s perfect for celebrations or simply as an afternoon treat with friends. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chai Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time to save you some effort when entertaining or simply enjoying a cozy dessert at home. Here’s how to store it properly and keep it fresh for longer!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a humid environment, refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh for up to a week.
• Always allow the cake to come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For the best results, frost the cake after thawing.

Reheating

• Allow frozen slices to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If you prefer warm cake, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Chai Cake.

Can I make Chai Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as alternatives.

How can I enhance the spice flavor in my Chai Cake?

To boost the chai flavor, feel free to add more spices such as cardamom or cinnamon according to your taste preferences. A touch of black tea powder can also intensify the flavors!

How long will my Chai Cake last?

If stored properly, your Chai Cake will last for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this scrumptious Chai Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comforting spices that can brighten any day. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to delight everyone who tries it. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!