Chai Cake

This Chai Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. It’s incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to a sweet chai milk soak and a rich brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this cake brings warmth and joy to any occasion. You’ll love how the spices blend together, creating a unique dessert that stands out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The chai milk soak gives this cake an irresistible texture, making it soft and fluffy.
• Rich Flavor Profile: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom create a comforting taste that defines fall.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for celebrations, holidays, or simply as an everyday treat with tea or coffee.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful cake without hassle.
• Stunning Presentation: The brown butter cream cheese frosting not only tastes amazing but also makes the cake visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

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 combining ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures a smooth batter—ideal for achieving fluffy cake texture.
• Baking pan: The right size helps the cake cook evenly, ensuring perfect results every time.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Chai Cake, gather the following 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

Chai Soak Ingredients

• 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). Prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl:
* Combine all dry ingredients – flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Use an electric mixer to beat together the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the buttermilk into the butter mixture:
– Mix until well combined.
– Slowly incorporate the dry mixture until no streaks remain.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

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

Step 6: Prepare Chai Soak

While the cake bakes:
– Steep two chai teabags in half a cup of hot water for about five minutes.
– Remove teabags and stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.

Step 7: Soak the Cake

Once baked:
– Allow the cake to cool slightly before poking holes all over its surface.
– Pour chai soak evenly over the warm cake.

Step 8: Make Frosting

For the frosting:
– In a mixing bowl, beat together cold cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
– Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well. Adjust with whole milk for desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely:
– Spread brown butter cream cheese frosting generously over the top of your chai-soaked cake.

Enjoy this delightful Chai Cake as a perfect autumn dessert!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Chai Cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and spice to any gathering. Its rich flavors pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your chai cake experience.

Pair with Tea

• Chai Tea: Serve alongside a steaming cup of chai tea for a harmonious flavor combination.
• Earl Grey: The bergamot notes in Earl Grey complement the spices beautifully.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Pears: Fresh pears add a juicy sweetness that contrasts nicely with the spiced cake.
• Berries: Raspberries or strawberries provide a tart burst that balances the richness.

Drizzle with Sauces

• Caramel Sauce: A warm drizzle of caramel adds a decadent touch to each slice.
• Maple Syrup: The natural sweetness of maple syrup enhances the autumn flavors.

Include Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast to the moist cake.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: This pairs perfectly, echoing the chai spices in the cake.

How to Perfect Chai Cake

To achieve the most delicious chai cake, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and buttermilk to room temperature helps them blend better, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy—overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Soak Well: Allow the chai milk soak into the cake completely for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Cool Before Frosting: Ensure your cake is fully cooled before applying frosting, preventing it from melting or sliding off.
• Adjust Spices as Desired: Feel free to tweak spices according to personal taste for a more customized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cake

Chai Cake can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its unique flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar make for a crunchy contrast.
2. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut treats add sweetness and texture without overpowering the chai flavor.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate while adding brightness to your dessert table.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well, balancing out the sweetness of the chai cake.
5. Ginger Cookies: These spiced cookies echo the flavors of chai and provide a lovely crunch.
6. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on top for an airy complement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a chai cake can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect the cake’s rise and texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and affect baking.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can dry out the cake, making it less moist.

• Skipping the chai soak: Don’t skip soaking the cake with chai milk. This step adds moisture and flavor that make the cake irresistibly delicious.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Chai cake lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chai Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chai Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making chai cake:

What is Chai Cake?

Chai cake is a moist dessert infused with spices typically found in chai tea, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. It offers warm autumn flavors ideal for cozy gatherings.

How do I make my Chai Cake more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by using fresh spices instead of ground ones or adding more chai tea bags during the soak process for added depth.

Can I customize my Chai Cake?

Absolutely! Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for extra texture and flavor.

What frosting pairs well with Chai Cake?

Brown butter cream cheese frosting complements chai cake beautifully, creating a rich and creamy contrast that enhances its spiced flavors.

Can I use different teas for Chai Cake?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavored teas like Earl Grey or even herbal teas to create unique variations of your chai cake.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cake is not only incredibly moist but also bursts with warm autumn flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various frostings and mix-ins. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s perfect for any occasion!