The Ultimate Chai Cake Recipe: A Spiced Delight for Every Occasion

If you’re a fan of warm spices and rich, moist cakes, then this chai cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Infused with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something comforting. Topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, every bite is an explosion of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Chai Cake

  • Perfectly Spiced: A harmonious blend of chai spices gives this cake a unique flavor profile.
  • Moist and Tender: Thanks to sour cream and vegetable oil, this cake stays soft and delicious.
  • Easy to Make: Simple steps make this an approachable recipe for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for planning ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and line two 8-inch (20 cm) baking pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and all spices. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Gradually add half of the flour mixture, mixing on low speed.
  6. Add the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  7. Stir in the remaining flour mixture, ensuring not to overmix.
  8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 28-30 minutes.
  9. Allow cakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

2. Making the Frosting:

  1. Sift the powdered sugar and set aside.
  2. In a stand mixer, cream butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar for 3 minutes until fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla bean paste and cream cheese, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
  4. Beat the frosting by hand to remove any air bubbles for a smooth finish.

3. Assembling the Cake:

  1. Trim the tops of the cakes to create flat layers.
  2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly.
  3. Add the second cake layer and apply a thin crumb coat.
  4. Decorate with cinnamon dust, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.

Tips for Success

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are incorporated to keep the cake soft.
  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to frost.

2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute without compromising texture.

3. How can I make the cake vegan?
Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese.

Print
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The Ultimate Chai Cake Recipe: A Spiced Delight for Every Occasion

If you’re a fan of warm spices and rich, moist cakes, then this chai cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Infused with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something comforting. Topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, every bite is an explosion of flavor.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

1. Preparing the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and line two 8-inch (20 cm) baking pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and all spices. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Gradually add half of the flour mixture, mixing on low speed.
  6. Add the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  7. Stir in the remaining flour mixture, ensuring not to overmix.
  8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 28-30 minutes.
  9. Allow cakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

2. Making the Frosting:

  1. Sift the powdered sugar and set aside.
  2. In a stand mixer, cream butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar for 3 minutes until fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla bean paste and cream cheese, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
  4. Beat the frosting by hand to remove any air bubbles for a smooth finish.

3. Assembling the Cake:

  1. Trim the tops of the cakes to create flat layers.
  2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly.
  3. Add the second cake layer and apply a thin crumb coat.
  4. Decorate with cinnamon dust, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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