Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Imagine a warm, inviting kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of spices mingling in the air—cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, dancing together to create a sense of comfort and home. This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect culmination of those familiar, cozy scents and flavors. Moist and fluffy, each slice unveils a delightful surprise as it melts in your mouth, leaving you craving just one more bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a quiet afternoon with loved ones, this cake promises to bring joy and warmth into any gathering.
This recipe is ideal for cozy mornings when you want an indulgent treat with your coffee or tea, for family gatherings where memories are made, or even as a quick meal idea for those busy weekdays. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel right at home, encapsulating the essence of togetherness.
Recipe Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 people
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
Nutritional information is based on trusted sources including the USDA FoodData Central.
Why Make This Recipe
This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a treat; it’s an experience. The blend of warm spices gives the cake a unique flavor that evokes the comforting feeling of sipping chai by the fire. The soft, tender crumb pairs wonderfully with the luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Perfect for afternoon gatherings, special celebrations, or even for a cozy family dinner, this cake is sure to impress both you and your guests.
How to Make Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Use almond or oat flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and on top of the cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve to your delighted guests!
How to Serve
This cake is delightfully indulgent on its own, but consider serving it warm with a pat of butter, alongside your favorite tea or coffee. For a unique twist, toast slices with a drizzle of honey on top—perfect for elevating your breakfast or afternoon snack.
How to Store
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips
- To ensure perfect cake layers, measure your flour correctly—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag which can lead to dense cakes.
- If you’re unsure about the doneness, gently press the center of the cake: it should spring back. Alternatively, a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Delicious Variations
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use almond milk instead of regular milk, and swap butter for coconut oil.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar mixture in between the layers before baking for an extra spiced surprise.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting can be replaced with chocolate ganache or a simple vanilla buttercream for a different flavor profile. -
What if my cake is too dense?
Overmixing can create a dense texture; ensure ingredients are just mixed until combined. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh. -
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time, wrap them in plastic once cooled, and freeze for up to 3 months. Frost just before serving. -
What’s the best way to test for doneness?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Alternatively, the cake should spring back when gently pressed in the center. -
How do I get my cake layers to be even?
Weighing your cake batter can help ensure each layer is equal. Using a kitchen scale, divide the total batter weight by the number of pans.
In conclusion, this Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting brings warmth, spice, and companionship to any table. It’s a delightful way to celebrate life’s moments, big and small. We hope you try this recipe and invite you to share your thoughts, feedback, or any delicious modifications you make. Happy baking!
Print
Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and fluffy chai cake infused with warm spices and topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and on top of the cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve to your delighted guests!
Notes
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
