Chai Cake

Chai Cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its rich blend of chai spices and a luscious spiced Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, this cake offers a unique twist on traditional flavors. Perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or simply a cozy night in, this moist and tender cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chai spices creates a warm, aromatic flavor that’s truly irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Suitable for various occasions, this Chai Cake can be served as a sweet treat after meals or as a delightful snack.
• Moist Texture: The addition of applesauce keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
• Appealing Frosting: The spiced Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Chai Cake, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pan (9-inch round)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Chai Cake.
• Whisk or electric mixer: These tools help achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking for that perfect rise.

Ingredients

A simple, one layer Chai Cake that is tender, moist, and filled with chai spices, and then topped with a spiced Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s luscious, delicious, and a little addictive!

For the Cake

• 1½ cups all Purpose Flour
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup applesauce (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup milk (room temperature)

For the Frosting

• 6 oz. cream cheese (cold, full fat)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed) (make sure it has no clumps)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• pinch of ground nutmeg
• pinch of ground cardamom
• pinch of ground cloves

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Ground cinnamon
6. Ground cardamom
7. Ground ginger
8. Ground nutmeg
9. Ground cloves
10. Ground black pepper

Whisk together until well-blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. Brown sugar
2. Granulated sugar
3. Vegetable oil
4. Eggs
5. Applesauce
6. Milk

Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Both Mixtures

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy; add brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves until smooth.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled Chai Cake using a spatula for an even finish.

Enjoy your delicious Chai Cake! This treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Chai Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Combine slices of Chai Cake with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Drizzling with Caramel Sauce

• A warm drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice adds an irresistible sweetness and a touch of decadence. It pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors of the cake.

Pairing with Ice Cream

• Serve Chai Cake alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The creamy texture complements the moist cake, creating an indulgent treat.

Accompanying with Whipped Cream

• Top your Chai Cake slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This light addition enhances the cake’s spices and offers a delightful contrast in texture.

Enjoying with Tea or Coffee

• Pair this cake with your favorite tea or coffee. The chai spices in the cake resonate beautifully with both beverages, making for a cozy afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Chai Cake

To ensure your Chai Cake turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Measure ingredients accurately – Use measuring cups and spoons for precision, which helps achieve the right texture and flavor balance.
• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing eggs, milk, and applesauce to room temperature allows for better mixing and results in a moist cake.
• Do not overmix – Mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cake.
• Test for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached for perfect baking.
• Let it cool properly – Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cake

Chai Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of Chai Cake perfectly.
2. Cheese Platter – Serve assorted cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers for a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
3. Spiced Nuts – A bowl of spiced mixed nuts complements the chai spices and adds crunch to your dessert table.
4. Chocolate Ganache Dip – A rich chocolate ganache makes for an indulgent dip that pairs well with each slice of this flavorful cake.
5. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and honey for a creamy complement that contrasts nicely with the spices in Chai Cake.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar provide an exciting texture and flavor contrast when served with Chai Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Chai Cake can be easy, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold measurement errors: Not measuring ingredients accurately can throw off the cake’s texture. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Bold using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can affect how well the batter mixes. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
• Bold overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a light and tender Chai Cake.
• Bold ignoring spice freshness: Using old spices can diminish flavor. Check the freshness of your spices and replace them as needed for the best taste.
• Bold skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Chai Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chai Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Chai Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices on low power in 15-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered skillet over low heat, warming gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding our Chai Cake recipe.

What makes this Chai Cake special?

This Chai Cake is infused with aromatic spices that create a warm, comforting flavor profile, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Can I customize the spices in my Chai Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference—add more ginger for heat or cardamom for sweetness!

How do I make my Chai Cake more moist?

Adding applesauce helps retain moisture. Alternatively, ensure you’re not overbaking it, as this can lead to dryness.

What is the best frosting for Chai Cake?

A spiced brown sugar cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with this cake, enhancing its flavors while adding creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This delightful Chai Cake is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with different spices or toppings based on your preference. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!