Chai Cake

This Chai Cake is the ultimate dessert for autumn! With its rich spices and moist texture, it’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Soaked in sweet chai milk and topped with a luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting, this cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this cake will impress everyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The chai soak gives this cake an irresistible moisture that enhances every bite.
• Delightful Spices: Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, it captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a delightful afternoon treat with tea.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Showstopper Presentation: Frosted with brown butter cream cheese frosting, it looks as good as it tastes.

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Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Chai Cake, gather all your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for safely combining your dry and wet ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light texture in your cake.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups (280 g) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

Flavor Enhancers

• 2 chai teabags
• 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl:
1. Beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

To the butter mixture:
1. Add eggs one at a time while continuing to mix.
2. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.

Step 6: Mix in Buttermilk

Gradually add buttermilk to the mixture until smooth.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
– Mix just until combined; do not overmix.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan:
– Bake for about 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Prepare Chai Soak

While the cake bakes:
– Brew chai tea using hot water according to package instructions.
– Mix brewed tea with sweetened condensed milk and set aside.

Step 10: Soak the Cake

Once baked:
– Allow cooling slightly before poking holes into the top of the cake.
– Pour chai soak evenly over the surface to absorb moisture.

Step 11: Make Frosting

In a new bowl:
– Beat cold cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until smooth.
– Gradually add powdered sugar followed by whole milk until desired consistency is reached.

Step 12: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely:
– Spread brown butter cream cheese frosting evenly on top of your chai cake.

Enjoy every slice of your delicious Chai Cake!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Chai cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy evening treat, these serving suggestions will elevate your chai cake experience.

Pair with Tea

• Serve slices of chai cake alongside a cup of steaming chai tea for a harmonious flavor combination.

Ice Cream Delight

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to add creaminess and balance the spices.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an airy touch that complements the cake’s richness.

Garnish with Spices

• Dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added visual appeal and flavor enhancement.

Fresh Fruit Accent

• Serve with fresh sliced apples or pears to provide a refreshing contrast to the spiced cake.

How to Perfect Chai Cake

To make sure your chai cake turns out perfectly moist and flavorful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and spices helps prevent clumps and ensures even distribution throughout the batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cake; overmixing can lead to tough results.

• Cool Completely: Let the cake cool fully before frosting. This prevents melting and helps maintain the shape.

• Soak Generously: Use the chai milk soak generously after baking for that signature moist texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cake

Chai cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its warmth and spice. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds and walnuts tossed in cinnamon adds crunch and flavor.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs well, enhancing the overall taste experience.

4. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over slices adds richness that pairs beautifully with chai spices.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar offer a fun textural contrast.

6. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup creates a cozy vibe, perfect for fall serving alongside chai cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chai Cake, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final product. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much or too little flour can change the cake’s texture. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Skipping the chai soak: The chai soak is crucial for moisture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; let your cake absorb the sweet chai milk fully.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or buttermilk can affect how well they incorporate into the batter. Always let these ingredients come to room temperature first.
• Frosting too soon: Applying frosting while the cake is still warm can cause it to melt. Allow your Chai Cake to cool completely before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chai Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• For best taste, cover each slice with plastic wrap before placing in the container.

Freezing Chai Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, for freezing.
• Chai Cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Chai Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the cake moist.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Chai Cake, we’re here to help!

What makes Chai Cake unique?

Chai Cake stands out due to its rich spices and sweet chai soak, creating a moist texture that’s both comforting and flavorful.

Can I use different spices in my Chai Cake?

Absolutely! You can customize your spices based on your preferences. Just keep the balance similar for best results.

How do I know when my Chai Cake is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

This extra moist Chai Cake is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. With its warm spices and delightful brown butter cream cheese frosting, it offers both comfort and joy. Feel free to customize with nuts or different spices according to your taste!