If you've ever wondered how to make chai cake, you're in for a delightful treat. My son, Jake, loves chai lattes, and one day he asked if we could bake a cake inspired by his favorite drink. This chai cake with brown sugar is not only delicious but also brings the warm spices of chai right into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love It
- It's a cozy dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
- The spices create a warm, inviting aroma that fills your home.
- Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the chai spices beautifully.
Pure Comfort
This chai cake is pure comfort food. Each slice is moist and packed with flavor, making it a perfect companion to your afternoon tea or coffee. Plus, it’s a fun baking project to do with family.
What You Need
- 1 ½ cups 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g) – Sifted for lightness.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
- ½ tsp ½ tsp baking soda – Balances the acidity.
- ½ tsp ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cinnamon – For that classic chai flavor.
- ½ tsp ½ tsp ground ginger – Adds warmth and spice.
- ¼ tsp ¼ tsp ground cardamom – A lovely aromatic spice.
- ¼ tsp ¼ tsp ground cloves – For a hint of sweetness.
- ½ cup ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g) – Brings richness to the cake.
- 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar, packed (200 g) – Adds moisture and flavor.
- 2 2 large eggs – Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ cup ½ cup milk (120 ml) – Can substitute with almond milk.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. This will help your cake come out easily without sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. The spices will create a lovely aroma as you mix them.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes, and it should look pale and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This will help keep the batter smooth and avoid lumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cake should be golden brown on top.
- Serve the cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of chai or coffee.
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter.
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
- If you want more spice, feel free to increase the amounts of cinnamon and ginger.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a cup of chai tea for a delightful pairing.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a creamy touch.
💡 For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the chai cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor.
Is this cake good for special occasions?
Definitely! This chai cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy family gathering.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make chai cake, I hope you give this recipe a try. It's a delightful dessert that will warm your heart and fill your home with wonderful aromas. Enjoy every slice!
Chai Cake with Brown Sugar
This chai cake with brown sugar is a delightful treat that combines warm spices and a rich flavor, making it perfect for any cozy occasion. Enjoy a slice with your afternoon tea or coffee!
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- cake pan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cups all-purpose flour Sifted for lightness.
- 1 tsp tsp baking powder Helps the cake rise.
- ½ tsp tsp baking soda Balances the acidity.
- ½ tsp tsp salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 tsp tsp ground cinnamon For classic chai flavor.
- ½ tsp tsp ground ginger Adds warmth and spice.
- ¼ tsp tsp ground cardamom A lovely aromatic spice.
- ¼ tsp tsp ground cloves For a hint of sweetness.
- ½ cup cups unsalted butter Softened for richness.
- 1 cup cups brown sugar Packed for moisture and flavor.
- 2 large eggs Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 tsp tsp vanilla extract Enhances overall flavor.
- ½ cup cups milk Can substitute with almond milk.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. This will help your cake come out easily without sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. The spices will create a lovely aroma as you mix them.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes, and it should look pale and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This will help keep the batter smooth and avoid lumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cake should be golden brown on top.
- Serve the cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of chai or coffee.
Notes
This chai cake is pure comfort food. Each slice is moist and packed with flavor.