Are you ready to elevate your dessert game with a cake that perfectly combines spice and sweetness? Our Chai Cake is a delectable treat that infuses the classic flavors of chai tea into a rich, moist cake. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or serve as a comforting indulgence any day of the week. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Brown Sugar Chai Cake:
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
1 tbsp + 3/4 tsp baking powder
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp cardamom
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp allspice
10 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
1/2 cup neutral oil
1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
12 oz cream cheese, cold
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Directions:
Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper to ensure an easy release.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices. The blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves will create a wonderfully aromatic batter.
Incorporate Butter: Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles wet sand.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Frosting: For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until fully combined and fluffy.
Assemble: Frost the cake by spreading a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cooled cake layers and on top. Decorate as desired with additional frosting or garnishes.
Serving Tips:
Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve your chai cake at room temperature. Allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving if it has been refrigerated.
Portioning: Use a serrated knife to cut the cake into even slices. For a cleaner cut, you can dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean between slices.
Garnishes: Enhance the presentation with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few whole spices on top. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance.
Accompaniments: Pair the cake with a cup of chai tea or coffee to complement the spices. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add extra indulgence.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cake within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting will help the cake remain moist and flavorful. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing: To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cake. Wrap the cooled, frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before bringing it to room temperature.
Individual Slices: For convenience, you can also freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to enjoy a slice whenever you like without defrosting the whole cake.
Related Recipes:
- Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Espresso Chai Cookies with Maple Cinnamon Icing
- Taylor Swift Chai Cookies
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of flour for this chai cake?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for its balanced texture and structure, you can experiment with other types like whole wheat flour. If using whole wheat flour, the cake may be denser, so you might need to adjust the amount slightly and consider adding a bit of extra moisture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chai cake ahead of time. The cake can be baked, cooled, and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Frost the cake just before serving to maintain its freshness and appearance.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make the chai cake dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use almond, soy, or oat milk in place of whole milk. For the frosting, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a dairy-free butter substitute.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or make a simple buttercream frosting. To make buttercream frosting, beat together unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with a bit of milk or a dairy-free milk substitute if needed.
Conclusion:
This Chai Cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience of comforting flavors and textures that will delight your senses. Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply enjoying a sweet moment, this cake is a perfect choice. Enjoy the warm spices and creamy frosting in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Chai Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chai Cake is a deliciously spiced treat that brings the cozy flavors of chai tea into a moist, decadent cake. Infused with a blend of aromatic spices and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a sweet moment, this Chai Cake will impress with its rich flavor and delightful texture.
Ingredients
For the Brown Sugar Chai Cake:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
1 tbsp + 3/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp cardamom
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
10 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup neutral oil
1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
12 oz cream cheese, cold
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Add cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Stir in oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Frost the cooled cakes with the cream cheese frosting and decorate as desired.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
If the frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate briefly before decorating.
Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 servings
- Calories: 453 kcal per serving
