Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s something truly magical about a slice of Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is a warm embrace on a plate, inviting you to indulge in every moist, spiced crumb. The dance of cinnamon, cardamom, and a hint of ginger coalesce in a blissful symphony of flavors that whisk you away to cozy afternoons spent sipping steaming cups of chai. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood memories or making new ones with your family, this dessert brings joy that’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Imagine the delighted faces of your children as they dive into decadent layers adorned with luscious cream cheese frosting. Not only is this cake quick and easy to whip up, but it also captures a nostalgic warmth that resonates with everyone—young and old alike. You simply can’t resist its charm, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings, celebrations, or just that simple moment of self-care with a cup of tea.
What’s Your Favorite Sweet Indulgence?
Do you remember those delightful afternoons spent sharing treats with loved ones?
Picture this: the laughter of friends, the aroma of spiced cake wafting through the air, and the joy of slicing into a cake that not only looks stunning but tastes heavenly. When was the last time you treated yourself to something truly delectable?
Wouldn’t a slice of homemade Chai Spice Cake paired with a dollop of cream cheese frosting soothe your sweet cravings?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine a dessert that requires minimal fuss yet delivers maximum flavor—this is why you’ll love this Chai Spice Cake!
- Easy Prep: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice looking to impress.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good spiced cake, and this one is sure to win hearts, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Nostalgic Flavors: Transport yourself back to comforting moments with every bite, where the spices awaken memories of cozy evenings.
Ingredients
To create this heavenly Chai Spice Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp brewed strong chai tea, cooled
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (as needed for spreading consistency)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Imagine the comforting scent of cinnamon and the rich flavors of cardamom swirling around your kitchen as these ingredients come together.
Timing
This Chai Spice Cake offers a delightful balance between indulgence and convenience.
You could be savoring it within an hour and a half of starting your baking journey. The moment the cake comes out of the oven, and you can smell the warm spices enveloping your kitchen, you know it’s going to be worth the wait.
With just the right indulgence, this cake is perfect for surprising your family after dinner or serving at your next cozy tea party.
Step-by-Step
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your baking pan(s) with parchment paper, ensuring easy release later on.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. The aroma of spices will immediately transport you to a cozy café.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. The mixture should be glossy and inviting.
Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. The batter will become lighter in color and even more enticing.
Mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and brewed chai tea. Feel the anticipation build as the flavors meld perfectly together.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; it’s the key to a wonderfully tender cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13 pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Just imagine that golden-brown crust!
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Mix in the vanilla extract and a splash of milk if needed, adjusting for a spreadable consistency.
Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the cake, or layer it between rounds if you used round pans.
For a touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
With every step, your kitchen will come alive with the irresistible aroma of chai spices, eagerly beckoning everyone to gather around for a slice!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this spiced delight is a perfect balance of robust flavor and indulgence.
A single piece contains approximately 320 calories, depending on portion size and frosting. While it’s a treat, it’s okay to embrace the occasional indulgence, allowing yourself to enjoy every mouthful guilt-free.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to lighten up your Chai Spice Cake? Here are some fantastic swaps:
- Opt for whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a lower glycemic index.
- Use Greek yogurt in place of buttermilk for a protein boost and creaminess.
- Consider a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make it vegan.
These subtle tweaks can help you enjoy a delicious yet healthier version of this already comforting treat!
Serving Suggestions
Chai Spice Cake shines brilliantly in any setting.
- Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
- Top it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a lighter option.
- Perfect for holiday celebrations, paired with spiced cider or coffee, bring out the enchanting flavors of the chai spices.
Imagine sharing this cake at gatherings, where its heartwarming flavors encourage a delightful conversation!
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls when baking your Chai Spice Cake:
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time, as overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Remember, it will continue to cook as it cools!
- Inaccurate measurements: Baking is a science, and precise measurements matter for achieving the perfect texture.
- Not cooling properly: Letting the cake cool completely before frosting it is crucial to avoid a melty mess.
- Under-mixing or over-mixing: Both can lead to texture issues—mix until just combined for the finest crumb.
Watch out for these common mistakes to ensure your cake emerges perfectly baked and luscious!
Storing Tips
You may want to savor your Chai Spice Cake long after baking, and storage is key:
Freezing Portions: Cut the cake into individual slices, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container. This makes it easy to grab a piece anytime you have a sweet craving.
Reheating Instructions: Pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat that’s almost as good as fresh from the oven!
Your Chai Spice Cake will stay delicious for up to a month in the freezer!
Tempted to Bake?
Now that you’re dreaming of that perfect blend of spices melting together, what’s stopping you?
Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen.
So, grab your ingredients, gather your family around, and let the sweet aroma envelop you in warmth and cheer. You deserve a slice today!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake your cake a day in advance and frost it when you’re ready to serve.Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Absolutely! You can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.How can I make the cake more intense in flavor?
Add a bit more chai tea to the batter or let the spices steep in the milk to boost their flavor.Is this cake suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, you can use plant-based substitutes for all dairy ingredients and egg replacements like flaxseed or applesauce.What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
Dairy-free cream cheese or a whipped coconut cream can serve as excellent alternatives for frosting.
Embrace every slice of this Chai Spice Cake, and let it whisk you away to a world of warmth, comfort, and deliciousness!
Print
Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and inviting Chai Spice Cake infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp brewed strong chai tea, cooled
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
- 1 tbsp milk (as needed for spreading consistency)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your baking pan(s) with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and brewed chai tea.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13 pan.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and a splash of milk if needed for spreading consistency.
- Once cooled, spread the frosting over the cake, or layer it between rounds if using round pans.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat flour or substituting Greek yogurt for buttermilk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
