Chai Cake

The most delicious Chai Cake! Prepare to be blown away by the luscious delight of this Chai Cake! This cake features delectable layers of moist chai flavor sandwiched together with smooth brown sugar cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. With its warm spices and comforting aroma, this cake feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices like cardamom and cinnamon brings a unique taste that sets this chai cake apart.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip up this delightful dessert.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake suits every event beautifully.
• Moist Texture: The addition of sour cream ensures the cake remains moist and tender with each bite.
• Impressive Presentation: Layered with cream cheese frosting, this cake looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Chai Cake, having the right tools will make your baking experience enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry ingredients separately for an even mix in your batter.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Cake

• 180 g butter (room temperature)
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 150 g dark brown sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 330 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp ground cardamom
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 240 g sour cream (room temperature)
• 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 200 g butter (room temperature)
• 280 g powdered sugar
• 30 g dark brown sugar
• 115 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
* All-purpose flour
* Cornstarch
* Ground cardamom
* Ground cinnamon
* Ground ginger
* Ground allspice
* Ground nutmeg
* Ground black pepper
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another mixing bowl, beat together:
1. The room-temperature butter with granulated sugar and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing for a tender cake.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 7: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Room-temperature butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and dark brown sugar until creamy.
3. Finally, stir in vanilla bean paste.

Step 8: Assemble

Once cooled, frost between layers of cake with cream cheese frosting. Frost the top and sides evenly for a beautiful finish.

Enjoy your delightful Chai Cake!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Chai Cake is a delightful treat that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you’re enjoying it for dessert or at a special gathering, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the rich flavors of the chai cake.

With Fresh Berries

• Top your chai cake with a mix of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a burst of freshness and color.

With Ice Cream

• Serve slices of chai cake warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to create a decadent dessert experience.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair your cake with a cup of chai tea or coffee to amplify the warm spice notes of the cake, making it perfect for an afternoon treat.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Slice the chai cake into smaller pieces and serve alongside other desserts like cookies and brownies for a delightful dessert platter.

How to Perfect Chai Cake

To ensure your chai cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure flour properly: Avoid packing flour into the measuring cup; use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
• Cool completely before frosting: Let the chai cake cool fully to prevent melting your frosting and ensure even application.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cake

Chai Cake can be enjoyed with several side dishes that complement its warm spices. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and balances the sweetness of the chai cake.
2. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and savory flavors that contrast nicely with the soft texture of the cake.
3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can enhance your dessert experience while offering an interesting flavor combination.
4. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling warm caramel sauce over your slice adds richness and an irresistible sweet touch.
5. Chocolate Ganache
   Pouring chocolate ganache over the chai cake creates an indulgent layer that elevates its dessert appeal.
6. Coconut Flakes
   Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top add both flavor and texture, enhancing the overall presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Chai Cake takes practice, but avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve sweet success.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and butter for a smooth batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and not mix well.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Incorrect amounts of flour or sugar can alter the cake’s structure and flavor.
• Ignoring spice quality: Fresh spices make a big difference in flavor. Invest in good quality ground spices for that authentic chai taste.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a neat finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before wrapping it to avoid condensation.

Freezing Chai Cake

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the bag with the date so you know when to use it by.

Reheating Chai Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chai Cake.

What makes Chai Cake special?

Chai Cake is infused with warm spices that evoke comfort and nostalgia, making it an ideal dessert choice year-round.

Can I substitute any ingredients in my Chai Cake?

Yes! You can use different oils or non-dairy alternatives if desired. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or clove for unique flavors.

How can I decorate my Chai Cake?

Consider adding edible flowers, cinnamon sticks, or a sprinkle of additional spices on top of your cream cheese frosting for an appealing look.

How long does Chai Cake last?

When stored properly, Chai Cake can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cake is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it with different spices or toppings based on your preferences. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chai Cake

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful and aromatic world of Chai Cake, a perfect fusion of warm spices and creamy frosting that promises to elevate any occasion. This moist layer cake features an enticing blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, enveloped in a rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting. With its inviting aroma and comforting flavor profile, this cake is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, this Chai Cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 180 g butter (room temperature)
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 150 g dark brown sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 330 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp ground cardamom
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 240 g sour cream (room temperature)
• 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g butter (room temperature)
• 280 g powdered sugar
• 30 g dark brown sugar
• 115 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, ground spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat butter with granulated and dark brown sugars until fluffy; add eggs one at a time until well combined.
4. Stir in sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans; bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
7. For the frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and dark brown sugar until creamy.
8. Frost cooled cake layers with frosting and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice/100g
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 85mg