Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a beautifully spiced dessert that combines the warm, aromatic flavors of chai with the creamy, tangy taste of cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you crave a unique and delicious treat, this cake is sure to impress.
Chai Cake
Why This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Is the Best
- Warm Chai Spices: The cake is infused with the aromatic blend of chai spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, creating a rich and warming flavor profile.
- Moist and Fluffy: The cake is light and fluffy, with a moist texture that makes each bite enjoyable.
- Creamy Frosting: The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the spicy cake, making it a perfect combination.
- Beautiful Presentation: The cake is topped with decorative dollops of cinnamon cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, making it visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice. The combination of warm spices, creamy frosting, and beautiful presentation makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Chai Cake:
- Butter & Oil: A combination of butter for flavor and oil for moisture ensures a soft, tender crumb.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps keep the cake moist and fluffy.
- Chai Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves, Black Pepper): These warm, aromatic spices create the distinctive chai flavor, filling the cake with comforting notes.
- Eggs & Sugar: Provide structure, richness, and sweetness for a perfectly balanced cake.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese & Butter: A creamy, tangy base with a hint of richness.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- Vanilla & Cinnamon: Enhance the frosting with warm, sweet, and spicy notes that complement the chai spices.
Tips for Making the Best Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices to infuse the cake with rich and aromatic flavors.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Generously Frost: Apply a generous amount of cinnamon cream cheese frosting to each layer of the cake for added richness and visual appeal.
- Garnish Elegantly: Top the cake with a dusting of cinnamon and decorative frosting dollops for a touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Chai Tea: Enjoy a slice of Chai Cake with a hot cup of chai tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and flavor.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into a slice of this Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting—each bite offering a perfect blend of warm spices, creamy frosting, and moist texture. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this cake is sure to bring joy to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and bake this delightful cake to impress your loved ones and create sweet, memorable moments together!
Be sure to check out these other delicious cake recipes!
Chai Cake
This Chai Cake captures the essence of a cozy cup of chai tea in dessert form. The warm, aromatic spices pair beautifully with the tangy sweetness of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting, making this cake an inviting centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chai Cake
- 115 g unsalted butter room temperature
- 115 g oil vegetable or canola oil
- 300 g granulated sugar
- 260 g buttermilk room temperature
- 300 g all purpose flour
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 Tbsp cardamom
- 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp ground cloves, ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 225 g full-fat cream cheese room temperature
- 115 g unsalted butter room temperature
- 480 g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Chai Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and setting them aside.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and oil together on medium speed until well combined. It's okay if the mixture has a few small lumps.
- Add the sugar and continue to cream the mixture on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until it becomes fluffy and takes on a pearly white appearance.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, blend in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated, and gradually stream in the buttermilk while mixing on medium speed until smooth and combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices to the bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stop the mixer while there are still a few streaks of flour visible, then gently fold the mixture with a rubber spatula until the batter is smooth and the flour is fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Carefully take the cakes out of the oven and let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently invert them onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Place the softened cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer or use an electric mixer.
- Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed one cup at a time.
- Once fully incorporated, add the vanilla and cinnamon. Increase to medium speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembly
- Start by trimming the tops of the cake layers with a serrated knife if needed, to create an even surface. Spread a small teaspoon of frosting in the center of your cake board or stand to help anchor the first layer of cake in place.
- Place the first cake layer on top, then generously spread about 1 cup of frosting over it, smoothing it into an even layer. Take the second cake layer, flip it upside down, and place it on top with the flat side facing up. Coat the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting, known as the crumb coat, to seal in any loose crumbs.
- Chill the cake in the fridge for 20 minutes, or until the frosting feels firm to the touch. Once chilled, apply a thick, final layer of frosting to create a smooth, beautiful finish.
- To complete the look, dust the cake with cinnamon and garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Notes
Storage: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the whole cake, a cake carrier works best, or for individual slices, store them in a large zip-top bag for easy access.
Freezing Cake Slices: Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply unwrap and thaw either overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 1-2 hours
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Chai Cake