Chai Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then this Chai Cake is just what you need! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my home for years. The delightful blend of spices creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and makes everyone feel right at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this cake will surely impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds.

The tenderness of the chai-infused layers paired with the rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting makes every bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this Chai Cake is guaranteed to bring joy to any table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up this cake without any hassle.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The warm spice flavors are loved by both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and frost it just before serving for an effortless dessert option.
• Deliciously Flavorful: Each slice is packed with rich flavors from the spices, making it a comforting treat that warms the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Chai Cake, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

This Chai Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Add Nuts: Chop up some walnuts or pecans and fold them into the batter for added crunch.
• Spice It Up: If you love extra spice, add more ginger or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick!
• Fruit Twist: Incorporate finely grated apples or pears into the batter for a fruity twist on flavor.
• Frosting Alternatives: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple vanilla buttercream if that’s more your style.

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that when you place your cake in, it bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture which helps create a light texture in your cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract! This will enhance the overall flavor profile of your Chai Cake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with sour cream and vegetable oil. Start and end with flour. This helps maintain moisture while ensuring everything is well combined without overmixing.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into greased cake pans and smooth out the tops. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell will be divine!

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While your cakes cool down, let’s whip up that creamy frosting! Beat together room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, dark brown sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble Your Chai Cake

Once cooled completely, layer your cakes with generous amounts of frosting in between each layer. Cover the entire cake with frosting for that picture-perfect finish!

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Chai Cake—it truly is comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Chai Cake

Baking a Chai Cake can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure that your cake turns out perfect every time!

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter cake texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the fluffy goodness we all love.
• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices if possible. The warm and aromatic notes will truly elevate your chai experience.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures that it stays beautifully layered.
• Chill the Frosting: If you find your cream cheese frosting is too soft to spread, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to apply smoothly.

How to Serve Chai Cake

Presenting your Chai Cake can be just as enjoyable as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your dessert shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that complements the spices.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosting adds visual appeal and enhances the chai flavor.
• Edible Flowers: Add a few edible flowers on top for an elegant touch that brings color and charm to your dessert table.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors of chai cake, providing a delicious contrast.
• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a tartness that balances out the richness of the cake.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a light and dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream; its subtle sweetness complements the spices beautifully.
• Chai Tea: Serve slices of chai cake alongside a warm cup of chai tea for an extra cozy experience that echoes the flavors in your dessert.

With these serving suggestions, your Chai Cake is sure to impress both visually and in taste! Enjoy this warm hug of a dessert with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

This delightful Chai Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring you have a delicious dessert ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the cake and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap.
• Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For a warm slice, microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this Chai Cake.

Can I use different spices in my Chai Cake?

Absolutely! While this recipe features a blend of classic chai spices, feel free to adjust according to your taste. You could add cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth.

How do I make the cream cheese frosting without animal-derived gelatin?

The cream cheese frosting in this Chai Cake recipe does not contain gelatin. It’s naturally creamy and delicious without any animal products!

Can I substitute sour cream in this Chai Cake recipe?

Yes! You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if that’s what you have on hand. Both will keep your cake moist and flavorful.

How long does this Chai Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, your Chai Cake will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to serve this Chai Cake?

This Chai Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or top it with additional frosting!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this wonderful Chai Cake as much as I do! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warm spices and comforting flavors that bring people together. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful treat, and savor every slice. Happy baking!