As the aroma of warm spices wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel wrapped in a cozy embrace, much like indulging in my favorite chai latte. This Moist Chai Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting captures that same essence, delivering soft, moist layers infused with the comforting warmth of chai spices. Not only is it a delightful treat that will impress any guest, but this cake is also incredibly versatile—whether you choose to craft it as a stunning layered masterpiece or a simple slab cake, it fits perfectly into any gathering. With quick prep time and the ease of using full-fat ingredients, this cake simplifies your baking while elevating your dessert game. Are you ready to treat yourself to a slice of something truly special?
Why is Chai Cake a Must-Try?
Comforting Aromas: The enticing blend of chai spices fills your kitchen with a scent that brings warmth and comfort, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.
Versatile Delight: Whether you prefer a layered beauty for a special occasion or a simple slab cake for an everyday treat, this recipe adapts to your needs effortlessly.
Simplicity in Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this cake without complex techniques, giving you more time to relax and enjoy with family and friends.
Uniquely Flavorful: Each slice delivers a delightful fusion of spice and sweetness, reminiscent of your favorite chai latte, ensuring everyone will want a second serving.
Perfect for All Occasions: From festive celebrations to casual afternoon snacks, this Moist Chai Cake fits seamlessly into any scene—just like a slice of Strawberry Cake Bliss would!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With its rich cream cheese frosting and tender layers, it’s bound to impress guests at any gathering, much like a divine Butter Pecan Cake.
Chai Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Butter – Provides moisture and richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the cake.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a deeper flavor profile, enhancing the chai experience.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness; using room temperature eggs helps with better incorporation.
• All-Purpose Flour – Creates the necessary structure for the cake.
• Cornstarch – Increases tenderness by softening the gluten in the flour.
• Ground Cardamom – Adds a unique chai flavor that sets this cake apart.
• Ground Cinnamon & Ginger – Essential spices that embody the chai profile.
• Ground Allspice & Nutmeg – Complements the spices beautifully, enriching the overall flavor.
• Ground Black Pepper – Offers a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Provide the leavening needed for the cake to rise.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Sour Cream – Adds moisture and a touch of tanginess; can substitute with full-fat Greek yogurt.
• Vegetable Oil – Contributes to the moist texture of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the batter.
For the Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth consistency for the frosting.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese – Ensures a rich and creamy texture for the frosting.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting, making it irresistible.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Moist Chai Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 170ºC (340ºF). While the oven warms up, prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and greasing the sides. This will ensure your Moist Chai Cake releases perfectly after baking, setting a solid foundation for your delightful layers.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and your carefully selected spices: ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, along with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it enhances the chai flavors and ensures an even rise, creating that airy texture we seek in our cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar using a stand mixer on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. This will result in a light and fluffy mixture, essential for the moisture in your Moist Chai Cake. You’ll know it’s ready when the mix appears pale and creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing on medium speed until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This process will enrich the batter and improve its structure. You’ll notice the batter becoming smoother and more cohesive, a sign you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in half of your dry ingredients to the batter. Then, add the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. After blending these for about 30 seconds, incorporate the remaining dry ingredients. Be gentle while mixing until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which we wish to avoid for this heavenly Moist Chai Cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes. The cakes are done when a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. While baking, enjoy the intoxicating aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen, signaling cozy times ahead.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is important for the structure, as a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt, lessening your beautiful Moist Chai Cake’s presentation.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
For the rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and dark brown sugar until well combined. Then, add the full-fat cream cheese and vanilla bean paste. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, reminiscent of your favorite cafe frosting, ready to perfectly complement the chai flavors.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Level the tops of the cooled cakes with a serrated knife for even layering. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Gently place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting. Feel free to decorate it as desired; this Moist Chai Cake is sure to impress!
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Let the finished cake sit at room temperature for a little while—it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready, slice and savor each piece of this Moist Chai Cake, where the warmth of the spices meets the creamy frosting, making every bite a delightful experience!
What to Serve with Moist Chai Cake?
The warmth of chai spices combined with creamy frosting creates a superb dessert experience begging for delightful companions.
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Spiced Chai Latte: A cozy cup of spiced chai beautifully complements the flavors of the cake, elevating your dessert experience to new heights. Enjoy the two together for the ultimate chai celebration!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious coolness that brilliantly contrasts the warm spices from the cake, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright and refreshing medley of seasonal fruits enhances each bite, providing a burst of color and a slightly tart contrast to the sweet, spiced layers.
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Ginger Tea: This warm, aromatic drink echoes the flavors in the cake, turning dessert into a full-fledged sensory experience. Sip on ginger tea as you savor a slice for a harmonious pairing.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling rich chocolate ganache over the cake creates an indulgent twist, adding decadence that perfectly complements the brown sugar cream cheese frosting.
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Candied Nuts: Crunchy, sweet walnuts or pecans offer a delightful texture contrast while adding a hint of nuttiness, enhancing the chai experience with every bite.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce not only amplifies sweetness but also mirrors the deep flavors in the cake, making for a rich and decadent treat.
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Masala Chai Cookies: Pairing with chai-spiced cookies mimics the flavor profile of the cake and ensnares the taste buds with a comforting nostalgia of chai lovers.
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Almond Milk Smoothie: Blend silky almond milk with banana and a touch of cinnamon for a creamy, nutty smoothie that complements the cake’s flavors beautifully, creating a satisfying combo for dessert lovers.
How to Store and Freeze Chai Cake
Room Temperature: Store leftover Chai Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it moist and delicious.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
Expert Tips for Chai Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. It helps create a smoother batter, leading to a lighter texture in your Chai Cake.
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Sift for Lightness: Always sift your dry ingredients together. This promotes even mixing and helps prevent any clumps, ensuring a tender cake.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is something we want to avoid in our delightful Chai Cake.
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Check for Doneness: Use a cake tester or toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked. It should come out clean with no batter residue.
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Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can melt the icing and ruin your presentation.
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Store Properly: If making ahead, store your Chai Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
Chai Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make this wonderful chai cake your own with these delightful variations that add unique twists and flavors.
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Sheet Cake: Bake in a 9×13 inch pan to create a single slab cake. Just adjust the baking time to 23-25 minutes.
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Nutty Crunch: Add walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch. The nutty texture perfectly complements the spiced flavors.
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Extra Spice: Incorporate cloves into the spice mix for a warmer, richer chai flavor that will elevate your cake experience.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive guests without losing any moisture.
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Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
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Frosting Swap: Try adding a hint of maple syrup to the cream cheese frosting for an unexpected twist that enhances the overall sweetness beautifully.
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Flavor Boost: Substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor that still keeps the cake moist.
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Layered Delight: Craft a stunning layered chai cake with rich, spiced buttercream or add a layer of your favorite jam between the cake layers for extra flavor.
These variations can make your cake truly special! If you’re in the mood for more delicious cakes, try this stunning Strawberry Cheesecake Dump next!
Make Ahead Options
These Moist Chai Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cakes up to 3 days in advance—simply bake and cool them completely before wrapping in plastic wrap and placing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cakes moist and flavorful. The brown sugar cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days; just give it a quick mix before frosting the cake. When you’re ready to serve, assemble and frost the cake, allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. With these make-ahead steps, you’ll enjoy a stress-free baking experience and delight in serving a delicious dessert with minimal effort!
Chai Cake Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting spices for the Chai Cake?
Absolutely! Freshness is key when selecting your spices. Opt for whole spices or freshly ground ones, as they pack more flavor. You’ll want to avoid spices that are clumpy or have lost their aroma—think of those warm, inviting scents you associate with chai. When using ground spices, I recommend checking the expiration date and storing them in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.
How should I store my leftover Chai Cake?
To keep your Chai Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need it to last longer, refrigeration works too! In the fridge, it can stay fresh for about 5 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture!
Can I freeze my Chai Cake? What’s the best way to do it?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Chai Cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and allow it to sit at room temperature before serving to bring back that delightful moistness. Enjoy every bite!
What can I do if my cake turned out dry?
If your Chai Cake comes out dry, don’t fret! You can soak it with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar, heated until dissolved. Just brush the syrup onto the layers before frosting. Moving forward, make sure to check your baking time closely. Every oven is different; use a cake tester to pull it out when a few moist crumbs cling to it, to avoid overbaking.
Is this Chai Cake suitable for people with allergies?
While this Chai Cake is a delicious treat, it does contain common allergens such as eggs and dairy. For those with egg allergies, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). If someone is lactose intolerant, I recommend using lactose-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt as an alternative. Always consult ingredient labels to ensure safety.
Can I add more spices or nuts for extra flavor?
Very much so! Feel free to play around with the spice mix to suit your taste. Adding an extra pinch of cinnamon or even some ground cloves can kick the chai flavor up a notch. If you love texture, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch. The more, the merrier!
Moist Chai Cake: A Cozy Twist on Your Favorite Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until pale and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually mix in half of the dry ingredients. Then add the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. After blending, incorporate the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 28-30 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and dark brown sugar. Add cream cheese and vanilla bean paste, and mix until smooth.
- Level the tops of the cooled cakes. Place one layer on a serving plate, frost the top, add the second layer, and frost the entire cake.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.
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