Chai Cake – A Flavourful Hug for Your Taste Buds

Imagine sipping on a steaming cup of chai on a crisp morning. Now, envision that same cozy feeling wrapped up in a cake. Chai cake is a delightful creation that encapsulates the essence of your favorite tea time indulgence. With its aromatic spices and comforting flavors, it’s a beloved treat that warms both your heart and your palate.

What is Chai Cake?

At its core, Chai Cake is a moist and spiced dessert that pays homage to the classic Indian masala chai. It’s a harmonious blend of rich, warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. These aromatic notes are woven into a soft, tender cake that’s often accompanied by a creamy frosting that mimics the frothy top of your chai latte.

What Makes Chai Cake Unique?

What sets Chai Cake apart is its ability to capture the complex and soothing flavors of chai in a desert form. The combination of spices infuses the cake with a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It’s a cake that embodies the idea of “home” in every slice, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why People Love Chai Cake So Much

Chai Cake has garnered a dedicated fan base for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a twist on traditional cake flavors, making it an exciting and unique option for dessert enthusiasts. Secondly, the spices used in chai are believed to have various health benefits, adding an extra layer of appeal. Lastly, the comforting and cozy flavors of chai resonate with many, making it a go-to choice for celebrations, gatherings, or simply as a pick-me-up treat.

Making Chai Cake at Home

Creating Chai Cake in the comfort of your kitchen is a rewarding experience. With readily available chai spices and a simple cake recipe, you can whip up this delightful dessert to share with loved ones. It’s a flavorful journey that combines the joy of baking with the warmth of chai, resulting in a cake that’s not just sweet but also soul-satisfying.

Whether you’re a chai enthusiast or simply seeking a new dessert adventure, Chai Cake is a must-try. Its fusion of spices and sweetness invites you to indulge in a heartwarming slice of comfort, leaving you with a sense of contentment and a desire for another bite.

Ingredients for Chai Cake

1. 180 g butter, at room temperature: Allow the butter to soften for easy mixing in the cake batter.
2. 150 g granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake and helps create a moist texture.
3. 150 g dark brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
4. 4 large eggs, at room temperature: Room temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter and contribute to a lighter cake.
5. 330 g all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the structure of the cake.
6. 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Provides a tender crumb to the cake.
7. 1 tablespoon ground cardamom: Infuses the cake with a warm, citrusy spice flavor.
8. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds sweet and aromatic notes to the cake.
9. 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Imparts a zesty and earthy flavor to the cake.
10. ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Enhances the cake’s complexity with hints of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
11. ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm and nutty flavor to the cake.
12. ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the chai spice blend.
13. ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
14. ½ teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that contributes to the cake’s lightness.
15. ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
16. 240 g sour cream, at room temperature: Provides moisture and tenderness to the cake.
17. 60 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil): Adds moisture and a neutral flavor to the cake.
18. 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a sweet and aromatic vanilla essence.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. 200 g butter, at room temperature: Softened butter ensures a smooth and creamy frosting.
2. 280 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a smooth texture.
3. 30 g dark brown sugar: Adds depth and richness to the frosting.
4. 115 g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature: Cream cheese provides a tangy and creamy base for the frosting.
5. ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Enhances the frosting with a rich and aromatic vanilla flavor.

Steps to make Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 170ºC/340ºF in a conventional oven. Also, prepare a 20 cm (8 inch) baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a flavorful mix of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and a touch of black pepper. Don’t forget the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this spice-infused mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, using either an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, combine the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Mix them together on medium/high speed for about 3 minutes until they form a smooth blend.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

One by one, add the eggs into the sugar and butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Make sure everything is nicely combined.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, scrape down the sides of the bowl and gradually add half of the previously sifted flour mixture to your batter. Continue mixing on low speed until it’s just combined. Then, add in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, ensuring not to overmix. Finally, incorporate the remaining half of the flour mixture into the batter.

Step 6: Fold Gently

Using a rubber spatula, give the batter a gentle fold to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 7: Divide and Bake

Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 28-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Note that these cake layers maintain a light color even when done.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool on a wire rack. After 5 minutes, carefully remove them from the cake tins and allow them to cool completely.

Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese

If you’re in Europe, remove excess moisture from your cream cheese by placing it between paper towels.

Step 10: Sift the Sugar and Cream the Butter

Sift the powdered sugar, and in your stand mixer, use the paddle attachment to cream the butter, powdered sugar, and dark brown sugar on high speed for 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl and give it an extra mix for 1 minute.

Step 11: Add Cream Cheese and Vanilla

Add the vanilla bean paste and cream cheese to the butter mixture. Combine them on low speed for 1 minute. Afterward, remove the bowl from the stand mixer and manually beat the mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon to eliminate any air bubbles in the buttercream.

Assembling Your Chai Cake

Step 12: Level the Cake Layers

Begin by trimming the tops of your cooled cake layers to create flat surfaces.

Step 13: Place the First Layer

Position the first cake layer on your serving dish or cake board, ideally on a turntable for easier decorating. However, if you don’t have a turntable, no worries; you can still decorate your cake without it.

Step 14: Add the Buttercream

Spread three generous scoops of the cream cheese frosting onto the first cake layer using an offset spatula to achieve an even layer.

Step 15: Stack the Second Layer

Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting-covered first layer.

Step 16: Apply a Thin Frosting Layer

Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting, using a spatula to achieve a “naked” look. Scrape down the sides of the cake for a clean finish.

Step 17: Decorate with Spices

Give your Chai Cake a touch of elegance by dusting it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, star anise, and adding cinnamon sticks for a charming garnish.

Step 18: Store and Serve

To store your layered cake, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow the cake to come to room temperature. It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Now, savor the flavors of your homemade Chai Cake – a delightful treat that perfectly balances the warmth of chai spices with the creaminess of frosting. Enjoy every slice!

Nutrition Facts

⦁ – Calories: 798kcal
⦁ – Carbohydrates: 88g
⦁ – Protein: 7g
⦁ – Fat: 48g
⦁ – Saturated Fat: 27g
⦁ – Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
⦁ – Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
⦁ – Trans Fat: 2g
⦁ – Cholesterol: 167mg
⦁ – Sodium: 497 mg
⦁ – Potassium: 140mg
⦁ – Fiber: 1g
⦁ – Sugar: 64g
⦁ – Vitamin A: 1402IU
⦁ – Vitamin C: 0.3mg
⦁ – Calcium: 90mg
⦁ – Iron: 2mg

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2023 ☕🍰 Chai Cake: A Warm Embrace in Every Bite

Indulge in the warm, aromatic embrace of Chai Cake ☕🍰. This delectable dessert boasts layers of spiced chai-infused cake, perfectly complemented by a luscious chai-flavored frosting. Experience the cozy flavors of chai in every delightful bite. A chai lover's dream come true! ✨

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 18 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 800 kcal

Ingredients

  

Ingredients for Chai Cake:

• 180 g butter at room temperature: Allow the butter to soften for easy mixing in the cake batter.
• 150 g granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake and helps create a moist texture.
• 150 g dark brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
• 4 large eggs at room temperature: Room temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter and contribute to a lighter cake.
• 330 g all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the structure of the cake.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Provides a tender crumb to the cake.
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom: Infuses the cake with a warm citrusy spice flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds sweet and aromatic notes to the cake.
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Imparts a zesty and earthy flavor to the cake.
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Enhances the cake's complexity with hints of cloves cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm and nutty flavor to the cake.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the chai spice blend.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that contributes to the cake's lightness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 240 g sour cream at room temperature: Provides moisture and tenderness to the cake.
• 60 g vegetable oil e.g., canola oil: Adds moisture and a neutral flavor to the cake.
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a sweet and aromatic vanilla essence.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 200 g butter at room temperature: Softened butter ensures a smooth and creamy frosting.
• 280 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a smooth texture.
• 30 g dark brown sugar: Adds depth and richness to the frosting.
• 115 g full-fat cream cheese at room temperature: Cream cheese provides a tangy and creamy base for the frosting.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Enhances the frosting with a rich and aromatic vanilla flavor.

Instructions

 

Step 1: 🍰 Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 170ºC/340ºF in a conventional oven. Also, prepare a 20 cm (8 inch) baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: 🍂 Sift the Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a flavorful mix of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and a touch of black pepper. Don't forget the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this spice-infused mixture aside.

Step 3: 🧈 Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a large bowl, using either an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, combine the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Mix them together on medium/high speed for about 3 minutes until they form a smooth blend.

Step 4: 🥚 Add the Eggs

• One by one, add the eggs into the sugar and butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Make sure everything is nicely combined.

Step 5: 🌪️ Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Now, scrape down the sides of the bowl and gradually add half of the previously sifted flour mixture to your batter. Continue mixing on low speed until it's just combined. Then, add in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, ensuring not to overmix. Finally, incorporate the remaining half of the flour mixture into the batter.

Step 6: 🌀 Fold Gently

• Using a rubber spatula, give the batter a gentle fold to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 7: 🍽️ Divide and Bake

• Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 28-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Note that these cake layers maintain a light color even when done.

Step 8: ❄️ Cool the Cakes

• Let the cakes cool on a wire rack. After 5 minutes, carefully remove them from the cake tins and allow them to cool completely.

Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 9: 🧀 Prepare the Cream Cheese

• If you're in Europe, remove excess moisture from your cream cheese by placing it between paper towels.

Step 10: 🧁 Sift the Sugar and Cream the Butter

• Sift the powdered sugar, and in your stand mixer, use the paddle attachment to cream the butter, powdered sugar, and dark brown sugar on high speed for 3 minutes. Don't forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl and give it an extra mix for 1 minute.

Step 11: 🍯 Add Cream Cheese and Vanilla

• Add the vanilla bean paste and cream cheese to the butter mixture. Combine them on low speed for 1 minute. Afterward, remove the bowl from the stand mixer and manually beat the mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon to eliminate any air bubbles in the buttercream.

Assembling Your Chai Cake

Step 12: 🔪 Level the Cake Layers

• Begin by trimming the tops of your cooled cake layers to create flat surfaces.

Step 13: 🍰 Place the First Layer

• Position the first cake layer on your serving dish or cake board, ideally on a turntable for easier decorating. However, if you don't have a turntable, no worries; you can still decorate your cake without it.

Step 14: 🎂 Add the Buttercream

• Spread three generous scoops of the cream cheese frosting onto the first cake layer using an offset spatula to achieve an even layer.

Step 15: 🍰 Stack the Second Layer

• Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting-covered first layer.

Step 16: 🎂 Apply a Thin Frosting Layer

• Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting, using a spatula to achieve a "naked" look. Scrape down the sides of the cake for a clean finish.

Step 17: 🍂 Decorate with Spices

• Give your Chai Cake a touch of elegance by dusting it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, star anise, and adding cinnamon sticks for a charming garnish.

Step 18: 🍰 Store and Serve

• To store your layered cake, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy it, allow the cake to come to room temperature. It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Now, savor the flavors of your homemade Chai Cake – a delightful treat that perfectly balances the warmth of chai spices with the creaminess of frosting. Enjoy every slice! ☕🍰

Notes

Nutrition Facts

⦁ - Calories: 800 kcal
⦁ - Carbohydrates: 88g
⦁ - Protein: 7g
⦁ - Fat: 48g
⦁ - Saturated Fat: 27g
⦁ - Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
⦁ - Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
⦁ - Trans Fat: 2g
⦁ - Cholesterol: 167mg
⦁ - Sodium: 497 mg
⦁ - Potassium: 140mg
⦁ - Fiber: 1g
⦁ - Sugar: 64g
⦁ - Vitamin A: 1402IU
⦁ - Vitamin C: 0.3mg
⦁ - Calcium: 90mg
⦁ - Iron: 2mg

Keyword Chai Cake

Steps to avoid while preparing Chai Cake

1. Skipping Proper Greasing: Failing to grease your baking pans adequately can result in the cake sticking to the pans and falling apart. Always grease and line your pans as recommended in the recipe.

2. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

3. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.

4. Using Cold Ingredients: Ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk should be at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect the cake’s texture and rise.

5. Ignoring the Sifting Step: Sifting dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and spices helps remove lumps and aerates them, leading to a smoother and lighter cake.

6. Opening the Oven Door Too Soon: Avoid the temptation to peek into the oven before the cake is close to being done. Opening the oven door too early can cause the cake to collapse.

7. Rushing the Cooling Process: Let the cake cool in the pan for the recommended time before attempting to remove it. Removing it too soon can cause it to break.

8. Frosting a Warm Cake: Applying frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting.

9. Not Leveling the Cake Layers: To create a stable and professional-looking cake, trim the tops of the cake layers to make them level before stacking.

10. Not Allowing Flavors to Develop: Chai Cake’s flavors tend to deepen and improve with time. It’s often best to let it sit for a while before serving to allow the chai spices to meld.

FAQ

1. What is Chai Cake, and how is it different from regular cake?
Chai Cake is a type of cake infused with the flavors of traditional Indian chai tea. It’s unique because it incorporates warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, giving it a distinct and aromatic taste.

2. Can I make Chai Cake at home, or is it only available in specialty bakeries?
You can absolutely make Chai Cake at home. There are many recipes available online that guide you through the process of creating this delightful dessert in your own kitchen.

3. What are the key ingredients used in Chai Cake?
The main ingredients typically include flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and a blend of chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg.

4. Is Chai Cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Chai Cake is vegetarian-friendly. It doesn’t contain any meat or animal by-products.

5. What type of frosting pairs best with Chai Cake?
Chai Cake pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting. The creamy and slightly tangy frosting complements the spicy flavors of the cake beautifully.

6. Can I make a Chai Cake without eggs for a vegan version?
Yes, you can adapt Chai Cake recipes to make them vegan by using egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or applesauce.

7. Are there any gluten-free Chai Cake options for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, you can find gluten-free Chai Cake recipes that use alternative flours like almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.

8. What occasions are ideal for serving Chai Cake?
Chai Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions, including birthdays, holidays, or as a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

9. Can I make mini Chai Cupcakes instead of a whole cake?
Absolutely! You can adapt Chai Cake recipes to make cupcakes, which are perfect for individual servings or gatherings.

10. How should I store Chai Cake to keep it fresh?
Store your Chai Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically stay fresh for 2-3 days when properly stored.