Chai Cake

The most delicious Chai Cake! Prepare to be blown away by the luscious delight of this Chai Cake! It has delectable layers of moist chai cake sandwiched together with smooth brown sugar cream cheese frosting that will send you straight to dessert paradise. This cake is full of warm spices and feels like a warm hug. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon, this Chai Cake will surely impress those who taste it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices creates a warm, comforting taste that enchants every palate.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this cake without any fuss.
• Versatile Occasions: Great for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers—this cake fits any celebration.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the sour cream and butter, each bite is tender and deliciously rich.
• Stunning Presentation: Layered with creamy frosting, this cake is as beautiful as it is tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the ingredients, make sure you have the right tools ready. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pans (two 9-inch round)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients effortless and ensures a smooth batter.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills; using different sizes can help organize your prep.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no ingredient goes unnoticed in your batter.

Ingredients

For the Chai Cake

• 180 g butter (room temperature)
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 150 g dark brown sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 330 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp ground cardamom
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 240 g sour cream (room temperature)
• 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 200 g butter (room temperature)
• 280 g powdered sugar
• 30 g dark brown sugar
• 115 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

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 Pans

Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Ground cardamom
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Ground ginger
6. Ground allspice
7. Ground nutmeg
8. Ground black pepper
9. Baking powder
10. Baking soda
11. Salt

Whisk these together until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer bowl, beat together:
1. Butter (180 g)
2. Granulated sugar (150 g)
3. Dark brown sugar (150 g)

Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream and vegetable oil until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While cakes are cooling, prepare frosting by beating together:
1. Butter (200 g)
2. Powdered sugar (280 g)
3. Dark brown sugar (30 g)
4. Full-fat cream cheese (115 g)
5. Vanilla bean paste

Beat until creamy and smooth.

Step 10: Assemble Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting over it generously before placing the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides as desired.

Enjoy your delightful Chai Cake!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Chai Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Tea

• Enjoy a slice of Chai Cake with a warm cup of chai tea for a delightful pairing that complements the spices in the cake.

Serve with Fresh Berries

• Top your cake with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. The tartness balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Ice Cream Delight

• A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the moist texture of Chai Cake.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce enhances the flavor profile and adds extra sweetness.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and creamy frosting.

How to Perfect Chai Cake

Creating the perfect Chai Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs, butter, and sour cream to sit out before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents dense cakes caused by excess flour.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking for a moist result.

• Cool properly: Allow the cake layers to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This preserves moisture.

• Frost at room temperature: Ensure your frosting is at room temperature for easy spreading and better adherence to the cake layers.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cake

To enhance your dessert experience, consider serving Chai Cake alongside these delicious side dishes. Each one brings something special to the table.

1. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add a tropical twist and pair well with the spices in Chai Cake.

2. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote cooked with cinnamon complements the flavors of your cake beautifully.

3. Lemon Sorbet: The refreshing citrus notes from lemon sorbet provide a light contrast to the rich flavors of Chai Cake.

4. Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse creates an indulgent dessert experience when served alongside your cake.

5. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: For a savory balance, offer crunchy carrot sticks paired with creamy hummus as an appetizer before dessert.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can help cleanse the palate between bites of sweet and spiced cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your Chai Cake. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Always let butter, eggs, and sour cream reach room temperature for better mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a tough texture. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined to achieve a light and fluffy cake.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Incorrect flour measurement may affect the cake’s structure. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurement.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting the cake while it’s still warm can cause it to crumble. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting.
• Forgetting to Adjust Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Always check with an oven thermometer and adjust accordingly for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Chai Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chai Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• The Chai Cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chai Cake

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chai Cake.

How do I make my Chai Cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, ensure that you use room temperature ingredients and incorporate sour cream into your batter.

Can I substitute different spices in my Chai Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or ginger according to your taste preferences or try adding nutmeg for extra warmth.

How should I decorate my Chai Cake?

Consider topping your Chai Cake with additional cream cheese frosting or garnishing with spices like cinnamon or cardamom for an appealing presentation.

Can I use whole wheat flour in my Chai Cake?

Yes, substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour can add flavor and nutrition, but it may change the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its warm spices make it perfect for any occasion, from cozy gatherings to festive celebrations. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or experiment with different spice blends. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!