Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. The fragrant spices meld perfectly in this moist, layered cake, making it an ideal dessert for autumn gatherings or holiday celebrations. With its unique blend of chai spices, it pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee, promising to be a standout at your next event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger creates a warm flavor profile that is both comforting and inviting.
• Moist and Tender: With buttermilk as a key ingredient, this cake remains incredibly moist, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
• Versatile Frosting: The creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of flavor while being easy to spread and decorate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive celebration, this cake fits right in on any dessert table.
• Great for Leftovers: This cake stays fresh for several days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or as a sweet snack throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make mixing the batter effortless and ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Cooling rack: Essential for cooling the cakes evenly after baking, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

For the Chai Cake

• 114 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
• 114 grams vegetable or canola oil
• 300 grams granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 260 grams buttermilk, room temperature
• 300 grams all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cardamom
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 227 grams full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 114 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
• 480 grams powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

How to Make Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Oil

In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter and vegetable oil on medium speed until well combined. It’s okay if there are some lumps.

Step 3: Add Sugar

1. Gradually add granulated sugar to the mixture.
2. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes until fluffy and light in color.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed.
2. Pour in vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Gradually add buttermilk on medium speed until fully mixed.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. On low speed, slowly mix in all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and spices until mostly combined.
2. Stop when streaks of flour remain; gently fold using a spatula until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
3. Cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

1. In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium-high speed until creamy (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 8: Add Sugar and Flavorings

1. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed.
2. Add vanilla extract and ground cinnamon; beat on medium speed until fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

1. If needed, level off the tops of both cake layers.
2. Spread a thin layer of frosting on your cake board before placing one layer down.
3. Spread approximately 1 cup of frosting evenly over this layer.

Step 10: Stack Cake Layers

1. Place the second layer upside down (flat side up) on top of the first layer.
2. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for about 20 minutes until set.

Step 11: Final Frosting Layer

1. Apply a thick final layer of frosting over the entire cake.
2. Dust with additional cinnamon and garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise if desired.

Slice your Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting into pieces and serve! Enjoy this spiced delight paired with your favorite beverage!

How to Serve Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy evening, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

For a Festive Gathering

• Coffee Pairing: Serve slices alongside freshly brewed coffee to complement the spices.
• Chai Tea: A natural companion, chai tea enhances the flavors of the cake.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream can add a rich creaminess that balances the spice.

For a Cozy Evening

• Warm Slices: Gently warm the cake in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for an extra cozy touch.
• Garnishes: Top with whipped cream or additional cinnamon for an elegant finish.
• Snack Board: Include slices on a dessert board with nuts and dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Perfecting this recipe ensures every bite is delicious. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents dense cake from too much flour.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking the cake at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking; it’s done when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let cakes cool on wire racks before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pair your Chai Cake with thoughtful side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with spiced desserts, offering creamy texture contrasts.
3. Nuts Mix: Roasted nuts provide crunch and a savory touch, enhancing snack appeal.
4. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate with spices echoes the chai flavors in the cake.
5. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery cookies offer simplicity and sweetness without overpowering the main dessert.
6. Herbal Tea Selection: Light herbal teas can cleanse the palate between bites while complementing spiced flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking this Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to be aware of.

• Wrong Oven Temperature: Using an inaccurate oven temperature can lead to overbaking or underbaking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Mix until just combined, especially after adding the flour.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture. Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements when possible.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Not lining your cake pans can lead to sticking. Always line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the cake separate from frosting if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap slices in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm a slice on medium power for 15-30 seconds until just heated through.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

Can I use other spices in my Chai Cake?

Yes! Feel free to adjust spices like ginger or cinnamon based on your preference. More or less can enhance or tone down the flavor.

What is the best way to serve Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting?

This cake pairs beautifully with chai tea or coffee. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I store leftover Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only fragrant but also incredibly versatile. Its warm spice profile makes it perfect for various occasions—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or holiday celebration. Feel free to customize the spices or toppings according to your taste!