Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have been searching for a warm, spicy, and utterly delicious treat to impress your friends or just indulge your sweet tooth, look no further than this Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is a magical blend of aromatic chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon that marry beautifully with a moist, tender crumb, all crowned with a luxuriously smooth cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive dessert centerpiece, this cake brings a comforting hug in every bite, making it an instant favorite in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the warm spices give the cake its signature chai flavor, the buttermilk ensures moistness, while the cream cheese frosting offers perfect creamy sweetness balanced with a hint of cinnamon.

• Unsalted butter (114 grams): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
• Vegetable or canola oil (114 grams): Keeps the cake moist and soft with subtle flavor neutrality.
• Granulated sugar (300 grams): Sweetens and contributes to the cake’s delicate texture.
• Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness while binding the batter together.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the deep flavors of the spices and adds warmth.
• Buttermilk (260 grams): Adds moisture and a gentle tang, balancing the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (300 grams): The framework giving the cake its perfect lift and softness.
• Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): Helps the cake rise for a light, airy texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Offers spicy warmth central to the chai experience.
• Cardamom (1 tablespoon): Adds a fragrant, citrusy kick unique to chai blends.
• Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): Brings vibrant spice and a little zest.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a cozy, nutty undertone.
• Allspice (¼ teaspoon): Gives depth and complexity to the spice mix.
• Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): Provides an earthy, warming note in the background.
• Ground black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Adds a subtle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
• Full-fat cream cheese (227 grams): The base of the frosting that creates a luscious texture and tang.
• Powdered sugar (480 grams): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreadability.

How to Make Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure your cakes release perfectly after baking. This foundational step sets the stage for beautiful cake layers.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Oil

In your mixer bowl, combine the butter and oil on medium speed until they’re just combined. It’s okay if a few lumps remain; this will help with a tender crumb. This blend of fat is key to keeping your chai cake wonderfully moist.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Beat Until Fluffy

Next, add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step aerates your batter, creating a light texture that balances the spice-heavy flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time on low speed, allowing each to fully combine before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the aromatic spice notes and ensure every bite is rich and comforting.

Step 5: Mix in Buttermilk

Slowly stream in the buttermilk on medium speed. The buttermilk’s acidity helps tenderize the gluten in flour, making the chai cake soft and moist.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Spices

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and all the chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and pepper). Add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients on low speed and mix just until combined. A few streaks of flour are fine; folding the rest gently will keep the texture tender.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Distribute your batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed until creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed one cup at a time. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon, then whip on medium until fluffy and smooth. This frosting brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to the chai cake layers.

Step 9: Assemble Your Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

If needed, level the tops of your cooled cakes with a serrated knife for even stacking. Spread a thin layer of frosting on your cake board or serving plate to anchor the first cake layer. Spread about one cup of frosting evenly over this layer. Place the second cake layer on top upside down, and apply a crumb coat all over the cake. Chill for 20 minutes to set the frosting before applying the final thick, luscious layer. For a beautiful finishing touch, dust the cake with cinnamon and adorn with cinnamon sticks or star anise.

How to Serve Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Enhance the visual and flavor appeal of your Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting using simple yet elegant garnishes. A light dusting of cinnamon powder instantly signals the spicy warmth within. For added charm and fragrance, adorn the top with whole cinnamon sticks or star anise pods that echo the cake’s chai spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chai-infused cake pairs wonderfully with warm beverages such as chai tea, hot coffee, or even a lightly spiced latte. For a cozy dessert spread, serve it alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the creamy frosting. Fresh fruits like poached pears or sliced apples work surprisingly well to cut through the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting to the next level by serving individual slices with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts like pistachios or pecans. For special occasions, try layering the cake in a trifle with whipped cream and chai-spiced pudding to create a stunning display. You can also customize the look by piping decorative swirls of frosting or adding edible flower petals for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, wrap any leftovers tightly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting fresh for up to five days, preserving the delicate moist crumb and creamy frosting textures.

Freezing

If you’d like to save your cake for longer, freeze it well-wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. Freeze individual slices the same way for a convenient treat anytime. To enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving to retain its full flavor and softness.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the frosting and amplify the alluring chai aromas without melting the cream cheese. Avoid reheating the whole cake to prevent frosting mishaps.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute. This mimics the acidity and moisture that buttermilk provides, which is crucial for a tender chai cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend designed for cakes. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The chai spice flavors will remain just as delightful.

How long does the Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting stay fresh?

Stored properly in the fridge in an airtight container, the cake is best enjoyed within 5 days. Beyond that, the frosting may begin to lose its ideal texture and the cake might dry out.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly to tailor the sweetness to your liking. Keep in mind that the sugar also affects the frosting’s consistency, so any reduction should be moderate.

Is it possible to bake this cake as cupcakes?

Definitely! Just divide the batter into lined cupcake tins, filling about two-thirds full. Bake at the same temperature but for about 18–22 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is one of those recipes that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, bringing spices and sweetness together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re baking it for a loved one or treating yourself to a little comfort, it’s sure to brighten any occasion. So grab your spices, get baking, and enjoy every heavenly bite of this cozy, flavorful masterpiece!

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