Chai Cake
Why Make This Recipe
Chai Cake combines warm, inviting spices with a moist texture that brings comfort to any occasion. It’s a delightful twist on traditional cake flavors, perfect for tea time or dessert. The aromatic spices used in this cake add depth and warmth, making it a great choice for gatherings or a cozy evening treat.
How to Make Chai Cake
Ingredients
- 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) for frosting
- 280 g powdered sugar
- 30 g dark brown sugar
- 115 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Directions
-
Chai Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream and vegetable oil. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.
-
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and dark brown sugar, mixing well.
- Add the cream cheese and vanilla bean paste, beating until smooth and fluffy.
-
Assembling:
- Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
How to Serve Chai Cake
Serve Chai Cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It can be sliced into wedges or squares, making it easy for guests to enjoy. For an extra touch, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few whole spices on top.
How to Store Chai Cake
To store Chai Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Tips to Make Chai Cake
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting, especially the butter and eggs, for a better texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
- You can bake the cake a day ahead. It often tastes better after sitting overnight!
Variation
For a different flavor, you can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter. You can also replace some spices with your favorites to personalize the taste.
FAQs
-
Can I use different spices?
- Yes, feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference! Just keep the balance so you still have the chai flavor.
-
Can I freeze Chai Cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
-
What can I serve with Chai Cake?
- Chai Cake pairs well with tea or coffee. You can also serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special dessert.

Chai Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional cake flavors, Chai Cake combines warm, inviting spices with a moist texture, making it perfect for tea time or dessert.
Ingredients
- 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) for frosting
- 280 g powdered sugar
- 30 g dark brown sugar
- 115 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream and vegetable oil. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and dark brown sugar, mixing well.
- Add the cream cheese and vanilla bean paste, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Can be garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or whole spices on top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American