Name: Cozy Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for Fall Bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (room temperature); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar; 3 large Eggs (room temperature); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom; 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger; 1 teaspoon Ground Allspice; 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Sour Cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt); 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature)

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As autumn leaves begin to paint the world in shades of gold and amber, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked Chai Cake wafting through the kitchen. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a warm embrace served on a plate, layered with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting that takes comfort food to new heights. With quick prep and the option to transform it into delightful cupcakes, this Chai Cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or even a quiet afternoon treat. Just imagine each slice evoking the comforting richness of your favorite chai latte. Curious about how to bring this sweet, spiced sensation to your table? Let’s dive in!

Why is Chai Cake a Must-Bake?

Irresistibly Cozy: This Chai Cake captures the essence of fall with its comforting spices, making it a perfect dessert for chilly evenings.
Rich, Creamy Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting takes this cake to another level, adding a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced layers.
Versatile Options: Whether you prefer a layered cake or fluffy cupcakes, this recipe adapts effortlessly to suit your occasion!
Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves a warm, spiced treat—this cake is bound to be the star at your gatherings.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this indulgent dessert in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with family and friends.
For more flavorful inspiration, check out my Fried Strawberry Cheesecake or try the delightful Peanut Butter Cheesecake for a fun twist!

Chai Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

Butter – Provides moisture and richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the cake.
Dark Brown Sugar – Enhances moisture and adds a depth of flavor.
Eggs – Acts as a binder and adds structure; must be at room temperature for the best emulsion.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure-building ingredient for the cake.
Cornstarch – Softens the cake’s texture, making it tender.
Ground Cardamom – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor characteristic of chai.
Ground Cinnamon – Contributes classic spice flavoring to the cake.
Ground Ginger – Incorporates a zesty warmth into the cake.
Ground Allspice – Adds complexity to the spice profile.
Ground Nutmeg – Provides the warm spice notes typical of chai.
Ground Black Pepper – Offers a subtle kick that beautifully complements the sweet flavors.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents that help the cake rise.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Sour Cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang; can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist; can use canola or other neutral oils.
Vanilla Extract – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.

For the Frosting

Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth texture for the frosting.
Cream Cheese – The base for the frosting, adds creaminess; should be at room temperature for easy blending.

This cozy Chai Cake is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall—perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 170ºC (340ºF). While the oven warms up, prepare two 20 cm (8 inch) round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This will ensure that your chai cake layers release easily once baked and maintain a beautiful round shape.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, ground black pepper, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will combine all the dry ingredients evenly and aerate the flour, contributing to a light and fluffy chai cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, taking about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps the chai cake rise beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Add Eggs
Next, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and pale, which usually takes about 2 minutes. This step ensures that the eggs bind all ingredients together, giving the chai cake its delightful structure.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually incorporate half of the sifted dry mixture into the butter and egg mixture, mixing on low speed until barely combined. Then add the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix, which keeps the cake tender and moist.

Step 6: Pour the Batter and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for an even bake. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your chai cake is ready when it springs back lightly to touch and has a golden brown color.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the chai cake layers from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Afterward, carefully invert the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they do not stick to the pans. Allow the cakes to cool fully to avoid melting the frosting during assembly.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the cakes cool, make the brown sugar cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together room-temperature cream cheese, unsalted butter, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined, achieving a creamy consistency perfect for spreading.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake, using a spatula to create a smooth finish. Decorate as desired; you may drizzle extra frosting or sprinkle spices for a lovely presentation.

Step 10: Slice and Serve
After assembling your chai cake, it’s time to slice it up and share the deliciousness! Cut into generous pieces and serve your cozy chai cake to friends and family, perfect for autumn gatherings or any sweet celebration. Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors lingering in every bite!

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Chai Cakes are perfect for meal prep! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance; once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain moisture. Additionally, the brown sugar cream cheese frosting can be prepared up to 3 days ahead—store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply let the cake layers come to room temperature, frost them, and assemble as desired. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have your cozy Chai Cake ready to impress without the last-minute rush! Enjoy the time-saving benefits while savoring each delicious bite!

Chai Cake: Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make this delightful Chai Cake your own with these creative twists and substitutions!

Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor and texture.
Cupcake Version: Transform the cake into adorable cupcakes by using the same batter, baking for 23-25 minutes instead.
Single Layer Delight: For a simpler option, halve the recipe or bake in a larger sheet pan for a single layer cake.
Sweet and Spicy: Add finely chopped crystallized ginger to the batter for an extra ginger kick—perfect for those who love a little heat in their sweet!
Nutty Texture: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch that complements the soft layers.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use coconut yogurt in the cake for a dairy-free option.
Fruity Twist: Incorporate shredded carrots or finely diced apples into the batter for added moisture and a fruity surprise!
Chai Latte Infusion: For an extra punch of chai flavor, steep your favorite chai tea bags in the sour cream or yogurt before adding to the batter.

Whether you’re looking to boost flavor, tweak textures, or explore dietary preferences, these variations will help you craft a Chai Cake that’s uniquely yours. For more delicious ideas, why not try the scrumptious Jiggly Japanese Cheesecake or the inviting Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon? The possibilities are limitless!

What to Serve with Moist Chai Cake with Creamy Brown Sugar Frosting

There’s nothing quite like the warmth that accompanies a freshly baked chai cake, especially when enjoyed with complementary flavors and textures.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These warm donuts echo the spices of chai and make for a delightful pairing, creating an indulgent afternoon treat.
Spiced Chai Latte: A comforting cup of spiced chai latte enhances the chai flavors in the cake, making it a natural accompaniment for cozy gatherings.
Candied Ginger Slices: The zesty sweetness of candied ginger elevates the spiced elements of the cake, adding a delightful chewiness to each bite.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream balances the richness of the frosting, offering a refreshing contrast to the moist chai cake.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling salted caramel adds a sweet, buttery layer to every slice, perfectly complementing the brown sugar frosting’s richness.
Roasted Pears: Sweet, caramelized roasted pears provide a fresh, juicy element that contrasts beautifully with the spiced cake, creating a harmonious dessert.
Albino Chocolate Bark: Sweet white chocolate bark brings a fun crunch factor to your dessert plate, marrying sweetness with the warm spices of chai.
Masala Chai Ice Cream: Scoop this creamy delight on the side for a chill factor that perfectly enhances the warmth of your chai cake and offers a complex flavor profile.
Sparkling Apple Cider: Crisp and effervescent, sparkling apple cider acts as a festive drink to cleanse the palate while celebrating chai cake’s sweetness.
Carrot Cake Cookies: Soft, spiced cookies provide an alternative dessert option that pairs fantastically well with the chai theme, making them perfect for sharing.

Expert Tips for Chai Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature; this helps achieve a smooth batter and light texture in the Chai Cake.
Sift for Fluffy Texture: Sifting the dry ingredients together aerates the flour, resulting in a fluffier cake; don’t skip this important step!
Cool Before Frosting: Always allow the layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melted frosting; this keeps your cake looking pristine.
Layer with Care: When frosting, add generous layers of cream cheese frosting between and on top of the cake, ensuring every slice has that delightful topping.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference—add more cardamom or ginger for a bolder flavor, enhancing the Chai Cake’s character!

How to Store and Freeze Chai Cake

Fridge: Keep the assembled Chai Cake in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each layer of the Chai Cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Frosting Storage: If you have leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Rewhip before using for the best texture.

Reheating: If serving warm, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, taking care not to overheat and dry out the cake.

Chai Cake Recipe FAQs

What ingredients should be at peak ripeness for the best Chai Cake?
Absolutely! Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps create a smoother batter and yields a light, fluffy cake. Room-temperature butter blends more easily with sugars, enhancing the cake’s texture.

How should I store my Chai Cake once it’s baked?
To store your assembled Chai Cake, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This keeps the cake fresh and moist. If you can, try making it the day before your gathering; letting it sit enhances those cozy flavors!

Can I freeze Chai Cake, and if so, how?
Certainly! For freezing, wrap each layer of the Chai Cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’ll be perfect!

What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
If your Chai Cake sinks in the middle, it may be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Ensure you bake the cake until a toothpick comes out clean—this usually takes about 28-30 minutes. Avoid overmixing after adding the flour, as this can lead to a denser texture.

Is this Chai Cake safe for my dog/pet?
It’s best to keep this Chai Cake for your human friends! Some spices like nutmeg can be harmful to pets, and the sugars and dairy may upset their stomachs. Stick to pet-safe treats when sharing with your furry companions.

What do I do if my cream cheese frosting is too runny?
If your frosting turns out too runny, simply add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Cold cream cheese or improperly blended ingredients can also be an issue; make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing!