Chai Cake Recipe

Prepare to be blown away by the flavors of this Chai Cake! With layers of moist chai-infused cake and a smooth brown sugar cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a comforting, spiced dessert experience. Full of warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, this cake feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chai Cake is a true celebration of flavors, combining the perfect balance of rich, spiced cake with creamy, sweet frosting. The brown sugar cream cheese frosting complements the chai spices beautifully, while the moist, tender cake makes each bite feel indulgent. It’s an ideal dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or whenever you crave a comforting, flavorful treat. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance for stress-free serving!

Ingredients

For the Chai 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 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground allspice

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¾ teaspoon baking powder

• ¾ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 240 g sour cream (room temperature)

• 60 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)

• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 200 g butter (room temperature)

• 280 g powdered sugar

• 30 g dark brown sugar

• 115 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Chai Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and prepare two 8-inch (20 cm) cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and greasing with nonstick spray.

2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium/high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and gradually add half of the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Add sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Add the rest of the flour mixture and stir gently until fully combined.

6. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. The cakes will remain light in color and may not appear browned.

7. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool for 5 minutes in the pans, then carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Prepare the Frosting: If you live in Europe, remove excess water from the cream cheese by placing it between paper towels. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar on high speed for 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for an additional minute.

2. Add Vanilla and Cream Cheese: Add the vanilla bean paste and cream cheese to the mixture, then mix on low speed for 1 minute.

3. Finish the Frosting: Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently beat the frosting by hand to eliminate any air bubbles.

Assembling the Cake

1. Trim the Cake Layers: Trim the tops of the cooled cake layers to make them flat and even.

2. Frost the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving dish or cake board. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top using an offset spatula. Add the second cake layer and apply a thin layer of frosting to the entire cake, creating a “naked” cake look.

3. Decorate: Dust the cake with a bit of cinnamon, add some star anise or cinnamon sticks for decoration, and serve.

Storage

Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the cake come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to allow the frosting and cake to soften slightly. The cake will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.

Servings and Timing

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Add Nuts: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for extra texture and flavor.

• Spiced Frosting: Add a bit of cinnamon or cardamom to the frosting for extra warmth.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Before serving, let the cake come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different frosting for this cake?

Yes, you can use a vanilla buttercream or even a whipped cream frosting if you prefer. The brown sugar cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the chai spices, but feel free to switch it up.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! This cake is actually better when made in advance, as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers without the frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw completely before frosting and serving.

What other flavors can I add to the cake?

Feel free to experiment with other spices like ground cloves or even a bit of orange zest to add a different twist to the cake.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the frosting may be slightly less creamy than with full-fat cream cheese.

How do I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?

Make sure to not overmix the batter after adding the flour and other ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense or sunken cake. Also, be sure to bake the cake until a cake tester comes out clean, even if the cake doesn’t brown much.

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Yes, you can use different pan sizes. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. If using a larger pan, check the cake earlier to avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

Chai Cake is a perfect blend of spiced goodness and creamy sweetness, topped with a velvety brown sugar cream cheese frosting. The flavors are warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress and bring a little extra warmth to any occasion!

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