Table of Contents
Introduction
Picture this: a slice of cake so fragrant with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger that it feels like a hug from the inside. That’s Chai Cake for you—a spiced masterpiece that’s as easy to bake as it is irresistible. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is your golden ticket to impressing friends, family, or just your sweet tooth.
Fun fact: Chai-inspired desserts have been stealing hearts since the British colonial era in India, where tea-time treats met bold spices. But here’s the kicker: unlike our fussy vanilla cake (which demands precision), this Chai Cake forgives mistakes and still tastes divine. With just 3 simple steps and pantry staples, you’ll whip up a dessert that’s perfect for cozy nights, brunch parties, or even sneaking a midnight snack. Ready to bake magic? Let’s go!
What is Chai Cake?
Is it cake? Is it tea? Why does it sound like a caffeine-fueled dessert? Don’t worry—no actual chai tea bags were harmed in this recipe! Chai Cake gets its name from the warm, aromatic spices that define a classic masala chai: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Think of it as your favorite chai latte’s baked cousin, minus the caffeine crash.
Legend has it (or at least my kitchen legend) that this cake was born when someone accidentally spilled chai spices into a vanilla batter. The result? Pure genius. As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and this cake? It’s a one-way ticket to everyone’s heart. Ready to become a kitchen hero? Preheat that oven!
Why You’ll Love This Chai Cake
- Warm, Bold Flavors in Every Bite
This isn’t your average cake. We’re talking layers of cinnamon-kissed batter paired with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting that’ll make you forget store-bought desserts exist. - Budget-Friendly & Quick
Skip the $8 coffee shop slice! With basic pantry staples (and a 45-minute bake time), you’ll save cash and savor freshness. - Customizable Toppings
Drizzle with caramel, sprinkle crushed nuts, or add a brown butter twist. Craving vegan? Swap butter for coconut oil and use plant-based cream cheese.
Love our vanilla cake? This spiced upgrade will blow your mind.
How to Make Chai Cake
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Bake Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Effort Level: Beginner-friendly
This foolproof recipe skips complicated steps but delivers a moist, spiced cake with a velvety frosting.
Key Ingredients for Chai Cake
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp ginger + cloves
- Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (or brown butter for depth!)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup milk (sour cream substitute: Greek yogurt)
- Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Spice Up the Batter
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices).
- Cream butter + sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Alternate mixing dry ingredients and milk into the batter.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
- Pour into a greased 9” pan. Bake at 350°F for 30 mins.
- Let cool completely (patience is key!).
Step 3: Frost Like a Pro
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Slather generously over the cake. Top with a cinnamon sprinkle!
What to Serve With Chai Cake
- Drinks: Masala chai, vanilla latte, or cold milk.
- Sides: Fresh berries, starbucks chai-inspired whipped cream.
- Dessert Pairings: Cardamom cookies, apple crumble.
Top Tips for Perfecting Chai Cake
- Spice Hack: Use pre-mixed chai masala for quicker prep.
- Vegan Twist: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan cream cheese.
- Avoid Dryness: Don’t overmix! Fold batter gently.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in cling film; thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10 seconds to revive that fresh-baked warmth.
FAQs (People Also Search For)
Q: What’s the difference between chai and spiced chai?
A: “Chai” means tea, but “spiced chai” refers to the masala blend (cinnamon, cardamom, etc.).
Q: What pastries pair with chai?
A: Try almond biscotti or In Bloom Bakery-style scones!
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Absolutely! Swap butter for coconut oil and use plant-based cream cheese.
Q: Is Starbucks chai spiced or vanilla?
A: Their chai is spiced, but you can add vanilla syrup for a “dirty chai” twist!
Ready to bake your way to spiced bliss? Grab that whisk and let’s make dessert magic happen! 🍰✨
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Chai Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened (or coconut oil for vegan)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs or 3 flax eggs for vegan
- ½ cup whole milk or almond milk
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Alternate mixing dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 2: Bake
- Pour batter into the pan. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Frost
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and vegan cream cheese.
- Spice Hack: Replace individual spices with 2 tsp pre-mixed chai masala.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted cake for 1 month.
- For a 3-Tier Cake: Triple the recipe and bake in three 6-inch pans (adjust bake time to 20–25 minutes).
