Chai Cake

This Chai Cake is a delightful treat that captures the warm flavors of autumn in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, this cake stands out with its moist texture and fragrant spices. The unique chai soak adds depth, making it reminiscent of a tres leches cake but with its own special twist. The brown butter cream cheese frosting elevates it even further, creating a comforting dessert that will impress any crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Moist: This cake is soaked in sweet chai milk, ensuring that each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Deliciously Spiced: A blend of spices like cinnamon and cardamom creates a warm, inviting flavor profile perfect for fall.
• Festive Presentation: The creamy brown butter frosting not only adds flavor but also makes this Chai Cake visually appealing for any occasion.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Serve it as a dessert at dinner parties or as a sweet treat during afternoon tea; it fits any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious Chai Cake, gather the following essential tools to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures your batter is perfectly blended and fluffy without too much effort.
• Baking pan: A good-quality pan helps the cake cook evenly, giving you that perfect texture throughout.
• Cooling rack: Allowing your cake to cool on a rack prevents sogginess by improving air circulation around the cake.

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Ingredients

For the Cake

• 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
• 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

For the Frosting

• 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

For the Chai 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). Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl:
* Beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

To the butter mixture:
* Add in the eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition.
* Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
* Whisk together the buttermilk with chai tea extracted from two teabags steeped in hot water for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
* Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to keep it smooth. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined; do not overmix!

Step 7: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan:
* Bake for about 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 8: Make Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools:
* In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter until it turns golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
* In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and cooled brown butter; beat until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until you reach desired consistency. Lastly, mix in whole milk for creaminess.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled:
* Spread your brown butter cream cheese frosting generously over your cooled chai cake. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Chai cake is a delightful dessert that pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your chai cake experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pairing the chai cake with a warm cup of spiced tea enhances its flavors and creates a cozy atmosphere.

Ice Cream Scoop

• A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream adds creaminess and balances the spices in the cake, making every bite decadent.

Fresh Fruit Topping

• Top the chai cake with fresh slices of apple or pear for a refreshing crunch that complements the moistness of the cake.

Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a fluffy texture and extra sweetness, perfect for those who love rich desserts.

Nuts Garnish

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added flavor and crunch, enhancing the overall texture of each slice.

Drizzle of Honey

• A drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness and a touch of elegance, making your serving look appealing and taste divine.

How to Perfect Chai Cake

Perfecting your chai cake ensures it turns out moist and full of flavor. Here are some helpful tips to achieve baking success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create an even batter for a fluffier cake.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of light and airy.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An incorrect temperature can affect cooking time and texture.

• Let It Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures beautiful frosting application.

• Soak with Chai Milk: Soak the cooled cake with sweet chai milk for added moisture and flavor. This step is key to achieving that irresistible texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cake

Chai cake can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its delicious flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Spiced Pumpkin Soup
   A warm, creamy soup with spices that echo those in the chai cake, creating a comforting meal pairing.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Nuts
   These crunchy treats offer a sweet and nutty contrast while echoing the spices found in your chai cake.

3. Maple Glazed Carrots
   Sweet carrots glazed with maple syrup provide a delightful balance to the spiciness of the cake.

4. Apple Crisp Salad
   A fresh salad featuring crispy apples, nuts, and a light dressing adds brightness to your dessert table.

5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses paired with crackers offers savory contrast to the sweetness of the chai cake.

6. Herbed Quinoa Salad
   This protein-packed salad with herbs offers freshness that complements the rich flavors of chai cake without overwhelming it.

7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes seasoned with herbs create an earthy side dish that pairs well with dessert flavors.

8. Gingerbread Cookies
   These cookies bring extra spice to your meal, creating delightful flavor harmony when served alongside chai cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Chai Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or buttermilk can affect the batter’s texture. Always let these ingredients sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your Chai Cake light and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, resulting in a dry cake. Use a spoon to aerate the flour before spooning it into your measuring cup.
• Skipping the chai soak: The chai soak is essential for moisture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; let your cake absorb the sweet chai milk for maximum taste.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Make sure to preheat your oven properly and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chai Cake

• Wrap slices of Chai Cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Chai Cake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a Chai Cake?

To make a Chai Cake, mix together all-purpose flour, spices, baking powder, butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Bake until golden brown and moist.

Can I use other spices in my Chai Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like turmeric or add extra ginger or cardamom based on your taste preferences.

What is the best frosting for Chai Cake?

A brown butter cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with Chai Cake, adding richness that complements its spiced flavors.

How long does Chai Cake last?

Chai Cake lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

This extra moist Chai Cake is perfect for fall gatherings or simply as a delightful dessert at home. Its warm flavors and soft texture make it versatile; feel free to customize it with nuts or dried fruits for added crunch. Try this recipe today, and enjoy every delicious bite!