Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Experience the cozy, aromatic delight of a Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This warmly spiced cake is infused with a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, then topped with a tangy, creamy frosting that complements every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert night, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Full of Warm Spices – Inspired by the comforting flavor of chai tea.
Moist & Tender – With just the right crumb and a rich, creamy topping.
Easy to Make – Simple steps and no special equipment needed.
Perfect for All Occasions – Great for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings.
Customizable – Make it as a layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chai Spice Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup milk (any kind)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle
• Chai spice dusting
• Star anise or whole cloves (for decoration)
• Edible flowers or chopped nuts

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 2 8-inch cake pans or 1 9×13-inch pan
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix in vanilla, yogurt, and milk until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine and Bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Divide batter between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt.
Beat until creamy and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Once cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer.
Stack the second layer and frost the top and sides.
Add your favorite garnish and chill slightly to set before slicing.

Tips for a Perfect Chai Spice Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – They mix better and create a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until ingredients are incorporated to keep the crumb tender.
Cool Cakes Completely – Warm cake will melt your frosting.
Spice It Up – Adjust the chai spice blend to match your favorite tea flavors.
Make Ahead – Bake the cakes a day early and frost before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Afternoon Tea – Serve with hot chai or black tea for a delightful pairing.
Holiday Dessert – A stunning addition to any fall or winter table.
Celebration Cake – Ideal for birthdays or cozy get-togethers.
With Berries – Garnish with fresh raspberries or figs for a fruity touch.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Keep the frosted cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Freezing:
Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chai tea bags instead of spices?
   Yes, you can steep chai tea in warm milk and use that milk in the recipe for a similar flavor.
2. Can I make this into cupcakes?
   Absolutely! Bake in lined muffin tins at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
3. Can I make the frosting less sweet?
   Reduce powdered sugar to 2 cups for a less sweet, more tangy frosting.
4. What if I don’t have cardamom?
   Add extra cinnamon or a bit more nutmeg to fill in the spice profile.

Final Thoughts
Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a heartwarming dessert that brings together the best of sweet, spiced, and creamy. With its tender crumb and rich flavor, it’s perfect for when you want to impress with something a little different yet deeply familiar. Share it with loved ones or savor it solo—it’s cozy, delicious, and unforgettable.

Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of spiced perfection!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 47g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 270mg

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