Description
Cozy, spiced, and topped with a cloud of creamy frosting, this Chai Cake is the ultimate treat for fall gatherings, weekend baking, or a comforting dessert any time of year. Infused with the classic warmth of chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg—it’s moist, rich, and indulgent. Perfect for those looking for quick breakfast ideas, easy dessert recipes, or comforting fall food ideas. Whether you're serving it at a party or just need an easy recipe to brighten your day, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the buttermilk in 2 parts, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat until fluffy.
8. Spread frosting evenly on the cooled cake. Optionally, dust with cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for the fluffiest texture.
Don’t overmix once flour is added—mix just until combined.
Store in the fridge for longevity, but always serve at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chai cake, spiced cake, easy dessert, fall cake, chai spice, quick dessert