. Chai Cake – esrecipes

Chai Cake

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The scent of chai always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every autumn, she’d brew a massive pot – cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper swirling in hot water, warming the whole house. Her kitchen was a haven, and a slice of spiced cake alongside a steaming mug of chai was the ultimate comfort. This Chai Cake embodies that feeling perfectly. It’s moist, intensely flavorful, and smells absolutely divine. It’s a hug in cake form, really! Let’s get baking.

Why You’ll Love This Chai Cake Recipe

This isn’t your average spice cake. We’re not just adding cinnamon and nutmeg. We’re building layers of flavor – blending the warmth of chai spices directly into the cake batter and creating a complementary spiced cream cheese frosting. The result? A beautifully balanced cake that isn’t overly sweet but bursting with aromatic deliciousness.

Here’s what makes this recipe a winner:

  • Intense Chai Flavor: We use a custom chai spice blend that really pops.
  • Moist & Tender Crumb: The secret? Sour cream! It adds moisture and a subtle tang.
  • Easy to Make: No complicated techniques, just straightforward baking.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, everyone loves this cake. It’s perfect for autumn gatherings, birthdays, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you’ll need for both the cake and the frosting.

For the Chai Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cake.
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake.
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise.
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder: Adds extra lift.
  • 1 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Chai Spice Blend (Recipe Below!) The star of the show!
  • 1 cup (240ml) Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang. Full-fat is best.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps with tenderness.
  • 2 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
  • 1 cup (240ml) Hot Brewed Black Tea: Infuses the cake with chai flavor. Brew it strong!
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.

For the Chai Spice Blend:

  • 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp Ground Ginger
  • 1 tsp Ground Cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • (Optional) Pinch of Ground Nutmeg

For the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (226g) Cream Cheese, softened: The base of our luscious frosting.
  • 1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened: Adds richness and creaminess.
  • 3-4 cups (360-480g) Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting. Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Chai Spice Blend (from above) To keep the chai theme going!
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor.
  • 2-4 tbsp Milk or Cream: To adjust the consistency of the frosting.

Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get your hands floury? Here’s how to create this incredible Chai Cake.

Making the Cake:

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and chai spice blend. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients (Except Tea): Add the sour cream, oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until just combined. Don’t overmix!
  4. Bloom the Flavor: Slowly pour in the hot brewed black tea while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin – don’t worry, that’s normal! Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Important: It MUST be completely cool before frosting.

Making the Frosting:

  1. Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Incorporate Chai & Vanilla: Stir in the chai spice blend and vanilla extract.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it spreadable but not runny.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Level the Cake: If your cake has a dome on top, use a long serrated knife to carefully level it.
  2. Frost the Cake: Place the cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the spiced cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with extra chai spice blend or chopped nuts for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions

Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the chai spice blend to your liking. More ginger for a spicier kick, more cardamom for a floral note.

Add-Ins: Stir 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter for added texture. Dried cranberries or chopped dates also work beautifully.

Tea Options: While black tea works best, you can experiment with other teas like Earl Grey. Just be mindful of their existing flavors.

Frosting Alternatives: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, try a vanilla buttercream or a simple glaze.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a warm cup of chai, of course! This cake is also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note this is an estimate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of the cake)
  • Calories: 450-550
  • Fat: 25-35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15-20g
  • Cholesterol: 70-80mg
  • Sodium: 200-300mg
  • Carbohydrates: 50-60g
  • Sugar: 35-45g
  • Protein: 3-5g

Ready to Bake Your Own Chai Cake?

This Chai Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The warm, comforting flavors will transport you to a cozy autumn day. Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is surprisingly easy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delicious aroma of spiced cake filling your kitchen. Happy baking! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below!

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