If you’re craving a dessert that captures the soul-warming flavors of your favorite spiced tea in cake form, Chai Cake is your perfect match. Imagine golden layers scented with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and just a hint of cloves and nutmeg, finished with a lush, tangy cream cheese frosting. This Chai Cake is deeply aromatic and tender, making it a standout centerpiece for any gathering or simply as a special treat. Each bite is a hug in cake form, with all the coziness of a mug of chai on a chilly afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chai Cake lies in its pantry-friendly ingredients. While the spice list is delightfully bold, each has a job to do—whether it’s deepening the flavor or creating that soft, moist crumb. Let’s talk about what makes every ingredient shine in this recipe:

All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but tender base for that perfect crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: Provide essential lift, making the cake light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chai spices.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and sweet earthiness that’s classic in chai.
Ground ginger: Delivers a zesty kick for bright, lively flavor.
Ground cardamom: Adds enchanting floral notes—don’t skip it!
Ground cloves: Just a whisper goes a long way for a deep spice base.
Ground nutmeg: Provides subtle, sweet nuttiness to round out the flavor.
Unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and buttery taste while keeping the crumb plush.
Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays moist, even days after baking.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and lightens the texture.
Large eggs: Bind the batter and deliver structure for slicing.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all those lovely spices with a creamy aroma.
Whole milk: Creates a smooth batter and tender finish.
Cream cheese: Offers tang and creaminess for that irresistible frosting.
Powdered sugar: Blends into the frosting for perfect, pillowy sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (optional, for frosting): For an extra pop of chai aroma in every bite.

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Spices

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or a single 9×13-inch pan. This step ensures your Chai Cake releases effortlessly after baking. Next, whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and every heavenly chai spice—in a medium bowl. Mixing the spices in early helps weave their flavors evenly throughout the crumb, so no one bite is lacking in that classic chai warmth.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. This isn’t just about combining ingredients—it’s about trapping air to make your Chai Cake impossibly light. Keep mixing until the mixture is pale and fluffy, then add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. These steps build the foundation for a rich, yet cloud-like crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Elements

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix each stage just until blended—no need for heavy-handed stirring. This method ensures a tender texture and stops overdeveloped gluten from making the Chai Cake tough. You’ll see the batter become creamy and lightly spiced, promising great things ahead.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour your gorgeous batter into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top for even baking. Slide the pans into your oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, with maybe a crumb or two attached. Set the cakes on a rack and let them cool completely before unleashing any frosting magic.

Step 5: Make the Dreamy Chai Cake Frosting

For the ultimate finishing touch, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and billowy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then whisk in vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon if you’re feeling bold. The frosting should be silky and easy to spread. Slather it generously over the cooled Chai Cake, swirling it into inviting peaks and valleys for extra charm.

How to Serve Chai Cake

Garnishes

A Chai Cake loves a little flourish: try dusting the frosted cake with extra ground cinnamon or a light pinch of ground cardamom. For a visual stunner, sprinkle the top with crunchy chopped pistachios or candied ginger pieces—both echo the flavorful spices inside.

Side Dishes

To turn snack time into a true occasion, serve slices of Chai Cake with steaming mugs of chai latte, spiced milk, or even classic black tea. For an added treat, a scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream alongside brings out the cake’s warmth and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Lean into the festive vibes by baking the Chai Cake into cupcakes for parties, or even as a layered cake with extra frosting and chai-spiced caramel drizzle. Individual parfait glasses with crumbled cake and layers of cream cheese frosting make for a show-stopping, spoonable dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chai Cake stores beautifully: simply cover leftover slices and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The cream cheese frosting stays fresh and the spices continue to meld, sometimes making the cake even tastier on day two or three!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, then frost just before serving for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Slices of Chai Cake are wonderful at room temperature, but if you’re in the mood for extra coziness, warm an individual slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The spices will fill your kitchen all over again, and the frosting will melt to decadent perfection.

FAQs

Can I substitute any of the chai spices?

Absolutely! While the classic blend gives Chai Cake its signature flavor, you can adjust the spice amounts or skip an ingredient in a pinch—just know it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Can I make Chai Cake gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the cake hold together.

Can I use a different frosting?

Definitely. While the tangy cream cheese frosting is a magical match, you could opt for a vanilla buttercream, spiced whipped cream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer something lighter.

What if I want a deeper chai flavor?

For more intense chai notes, add 1–2 tablespoons of brewed, strong chai tea to the batter (reduce the milk by the same amount). You’ll taste an even bolder kick with each bite.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes! Simply fill lined cupcake tins about two-thirds full and bake for 18–22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. Frost and top with a touch of cinnamon for a sweet party treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried baking with chai spices, this Chai Cake is the most inviting place to start. It’s a little bit nostalgic, a little bit adventurous, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. Every slice is an aromatic escape, perfect for sharing—or sneaking that extra sliver just for you. Treat yourself and enjoy every cozy, spiced bite!

Chai Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of a spiced chai cake, perfectly paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This moist and flavorful dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pans.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices in a bowl.
Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar until fluffy.
Add wet and dry ingredients: Beat in eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour mixture and milk alternately.
Bake: Pour batter into pans and bake for 28–32 minutes until done.
Prepare frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese, gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Frost the cake: Spread frosting over cooled cake and enjoy!