Spiced Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Spiced Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a cozy and comforting cake featuring warm chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves combined in a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a relaxing afternoon treat alongside your favorite tea or coffee.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30-35 mins
- Total Time: 45-50 mins
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves). This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices for a uniform flavor throughout the cake.
- Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the eggs until pale and fluffy. Add vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract while continuing to mix gently for a smooth and consistent wet batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and soft once baked.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a chilled bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chai-spiced nuts for a beautiful touch.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices to maximize flavor intensity and aroma.
- Ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Stir the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Begin checking your cake at 30 minutes as oven temperatures vary.
- If frosting is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: spiced chai cake, cream cheese frosting, chai spice cake, warm spice cake, cozy cake, chai dessert