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Chai Cake

Deliciously Spiced Chai Cake to Brighten Your Day

This Chai Cake is a delightful dessert infused with warm spices and perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: easy cakes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour essential for structure
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder helps the cake rise
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda provides additional leavening
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom adds aromatic twist
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger adds zesty warmth
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves introduces subtle sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon salt balances sweetness
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened creates a rich base
  • 2 cups granulated sugar elevates sweetness
  • 4 large eggs binds ingredients together
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract infuses warmth
  • 1 cup strong brewed chai tea, cooled delivers flavor
  • ½ cup buttermilk adds richness
  • ½ cup water achieves consistency
For the Chai Spice Syrup
  • ½ cup granulated sugar sweetens the syrup
  • 1 piece cinnamon stick infuses warm depth
  • 4 pieces cardamom pods, lightly crushed releases unique flavor
  • 2 pieces whole cloves adds aromatic sweetness
  • 1 piece star anise adds hint of exotic flavor
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened base for frosting
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened adds richness
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sweetens frosting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream adjusts consistency
  • Pinch salt balances sweetness

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with chai tea and buttermilk.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
  8. Cool the cake in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
  9. Prepare the chai spice syrup in a saucepan and simmer until infused.
  10. Strain the syrup, remove spices, and let it cool slightly.
  11. Poke holes in the cooled cake and brush on the chai spice syrup.
  12. Make the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until creamy.
  13. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy, then adjust with heavy cream if needed.
  14. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.
  15. Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  16. Serve sliced with optional garnish of cinnamon or cardamom pods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh spices and adjust the soaking time for the syrup as desired.

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