Chai Spice Cake is a cozy, aromatic dessert inspired by the warm, spiced flavors of chai tea. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a quiet evening with a cup of tea, this cake combines the earthy richness of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves with a moist, tender crumb. A luscious cream cheese frosting infused with a hint of vanilla perfectly complements the spiced layers, making each bite a balance of warmth and sweetness. Easy to make yet irresistibly elegant, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup brewed chai tea, cooled
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and brewed chai tea, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well. Stir in the vanilla extract. If needed, add milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Optional: Decorate with a dusting of cinnamon, chai spice, or sugared spices.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of this chai-inspired cake. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of chai or coffee!
