Chai Cake

This Chai Cake is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves warm, spiced flavors. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, birthday celebrations, or simply as a delightful dessert to enjoy with your afternoon tea. The moist texture from the chai milk soak makes it incredibly satisfying, while the brown butter cream cheese frosting adds an indulgent finish. Serve this cake at your next event and impress your guests with its unique flavor profile and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices creates a warm and cozy taste that embodies autumn.
• Moist Texture: The chai soak gives this cake a delightful softness, ensuring every bite is tender.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to wow your guests.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this cake is accessible for all skill levels.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The brown butter cream cheese frosting not only tastes great but also looks stunning on the cake.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Chai Cake, you will need some essential tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can save time and improve results!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13 inch baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes whipping ingredients like butter and sugar effortless, resulting in a light batter.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

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 Milk Soak

• 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 Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes removal easier once baked.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl:
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

Gradually add buttermilk into the butter mixture while mixing until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

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

Step 8: Prepare Chai Milk Soak

While the cake cools:
Heat whole milk with chai teabags until warm.
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and let steep for about 10 minutes. Remove tea bags before using.

Step 9: Soak the Cake

Once cooled slightly:
Poke holes in the top of the cake with a fork and pour the chai milk soak over it evenly. Allow it to absorb.

Step 10: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
Beat together cold cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing.
Adjust consistency with whole milk if necessary.

Step 11: Frost Your Cake

Spread an even layer of frosting over your cooled chai cake. Decorate as desired before serving!

Enjoy your deliciously moist Chai Cake with friends or family!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Chai cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply treating yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your chai cake experience.

With a Cup of Chai

• Pair your chai cake with a hot cup of chai tea for a cozy, comforting combination.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the spiced flavors of the chai cake.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serving chai cake with vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast between warm and cold, enhancing the flavor profile.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce brings an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices in the cake.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh slices of apple or pear can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the chai cake.

How to Perfect Chai Cake

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting together flour and spices helps create an even distribution, resulting in a more uniform flavor throughout.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.

• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when your chai cake is ready.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake to cool fully before applying frosting to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cake

Chai cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote cooked with cinnamon adds an inviting sweetness that complements the chai spices.

2. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds and walnuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the chai cake.

3. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce brings brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the cake.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese offers a savory element that pairs well with sweet desserts.

5. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup can make for a hearty pairing during fall gatherings, enhancing seasonal flavors.

6. Carrot Salad: A fresh carrot salad with citrus dressing adds crunch and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the chai cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with a delightful recipe like Chai Cake. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter and a tender cake.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This avoids adding too much flour and creating a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture instead of the desired softness.
• Skipping the chai soak: Don’t skip soaking the cake in chai milk. This step adds moisture and flavor, making your cake irresistible.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect rise.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chai Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Chai Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power for a quick treat.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat with a lid, warming gently until it’s warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chai Cake that might help you out.

Can I use different spices in my Chai Cake?

Yes! Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference or what you have on hand. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom are essential, but you can experiment with others too.

How do I make my Chai Cake more moist?

The chai soak is crucial for moisture. Ensure you soak it well and avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Chai Cake?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.

What is the best way to frost my Chai Cake?

Use the brown butter cream cheese frosting as it complements the chai flavors perfectly. Spread it evenly on cooled cakes for best results.

Final Thoughts

This extra moist Chai Cake is not only perfect for fall but also versatile enough to delight at any gathering. You can customize it by adding nuts or varying the spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!