Craving a cozy dessert that’s a blend of aromatic spices and sweetness? I’ve got just the treat for you – a chai spiced cake that’s bound to delight your taste buds. This moist and flavorful layer cake combines the comforting flavors of chai tea with a luscious cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and pistachios for that extra crunch.
Inspired by the rich and warm notes of Masala Chai Tea, this chai cake is a delightful fusion of traditional flavors and modern baking. Perfect for Fall gatherings or Thanksgiving celebrations, this cake is a true showstopper that will have your guests coming back for seconds. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a world of spice-infused bliss, reminiscent of a steaming cup of chai latte on a crisp autumn day.
If you’re a fan of chai, this chai spiced cake is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Get ready to indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible and easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
To create this delectable chai spiced cake recipe, you will need a blend of aromatic spices, creamy cream cheese frosting, and optional garnishes to elevate the flavors. Let’s gather all the ingredients to embark on this flavorful baking journey.
Chai Spiced Cake
- 1 cup (226 g) salted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (355 g) light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (325 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon homemade chai spice (see recipe below)
- 3 cups (385 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) buttermilk, room temperature
Homemade Chai Spice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cardamom
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 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 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Pistachios
- Caramel Sauce
Necessary Equipment
Before diving into baking this exquisite chai spiced cake, ensure you have the necessary equipment ready to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cake Pans (8-inch rounds recommended)
- Cooling Rack
- Offset Spatula for Frosting Application
- Pastry Brush for Glazing
- Cake Tester or Toothpick for Checking Doneness
Having these essential kitchen tools will help you create a perfect chai spiced cake with ease and precision.
Preparation Steps
Making Chai-Infused Milk
To infuse the milk with the aromatic flavors of chai, steep a chai tea bag in boiling water for 15 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature before incorporating it into the cake batter.
Preparing the Chai Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and the homemade chai spice mix. In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugars, then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, including the chai-infused milk, until just mixed.
Baking the Chai Spice Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans before removing and assembling.
Assembling the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, level the tops if needed. Layer the chai-spiced cake rounds with espresso cream cheese frosting between each layer. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top layer and let it drip down the sides for a visually appealing finish.
Directions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the baking process. Here are the step-by-step directions to bake this delightful chai spiced cake.
Baking the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350F (177C) for convection or 325F (163C) for conventional baking. Grease and line three 6-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- In a large bowl, cream together room temperature brown butter, oil, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment for about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on medium speed until fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Pour in the buttermilk, then add the remaining dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter equally among the three cake pans (approximately 14 oz in each pan) and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cakes are done when they release from the edges and spring back when pressed in the center.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Preparing the Frosting
- In a clean mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and chai spice mix.
- Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid lumps. Increase speed and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate the frosting to firm it up slightly before assembling the cake.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Repeat with the next layer, placing it carefully on top, followed by frosting.
- Finally, add the third cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly for a smooth finish.
- Drizzle with homemade salted caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped pistachios for a beautiful and delicious chai spiced cake.
Baking Tips
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To achieve the perfect texture for the chai spiced cake layers, ensure the butter and brown sugar are whipped together until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial to avoid a grainy texture in the cake.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your chai spiced cake fresh and delicious for longer, proper storage is key. Follow these simple guidelines to maintain the best quality of your cake.
How to Keep Your Cake Fresh
After enjoying your chai spiced cake, store any leftovers properly to preserve its taste and texture. To keep the cake fresh, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, refrigerate the cake in the airtight container for up to 5 days. Remember, chilling the cake may alter its texture slightly, so allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.
Conclusion
I hope this chai spiced cake recipe inspires you to bring a taste of warmth and spice to your Fall celebrations. The aromatic blend of chai spices combined with the sweetness of the cake layers and cream cheese frosting creates a delightful dessert experience. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily recreate this flavorful treat in your own kitchen. Remember to savor each bite of this chai-infused delight, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different garnishes to make it your own. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this chai spiced cake with your loved ones, creating lasting memories around the table. Happy baking!