Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Brown Sugar Chai Cake, a perfect dessert that combines the aromatic spices of chai with the sweetness of brown sugar. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is the ideal treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home, a family gathering, or a special celebration. The spices—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and more—infuse the cake with a rich, spiced depth, while the brown sugar adds a touch of warmth and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese frosting. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring it becomes a favorite in your baking repertoire. Perfect for fall, winter, or anytime you want a comforting dessert, this Brown Sugar Chai Cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Spiced

This cake is infused with a blend of aromatic spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. The combination of these warm spices creates a deep, cozy flavor that will transport you to a place of comfort with every bite.

2. Moist and Tender

The cake itself is wonderfully moist and light, thanks to the combination of brown sugar, whole milk, and butter. Each slice is perfectly tender, making it an irresistible dessert.

3. Cream Cheese Frosting

The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet and spiced cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The smooth frosting complements the cake beautifully.

4. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a casual family get-together, a birthday, or a holiday celebration. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will delight guests of all ages.

5. Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it easy to put together without needing any special items. The spices and brown sugar are what make it truly special.

Ingredients

For the Brown Sugar Chai Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Dark brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Ginger
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• Neutral oil
• Whole milk (room temperature)
• Eggs (room temperature)
• Vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• Cream cheese (cold)
• Powdered sugar (sifted)

Variations

• Add Nuts: You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Use a Different Frosting: If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a whipped cream or buttercream frosting.
• Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk.
• Add Fruit: Consider adding fresh fruit like apples or pears into the batter for a delicious twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Use an electric mixer for best results.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the oil, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the unsalted butter and cold cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until fluffy and light.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with additional spices, chopped nuts, or any other decoration you prefer.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This will ensure the ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Test for Doneness: Always check the center of the cake with a toothpick to make sure it’s fully baked. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s done!
• Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. If the cakes are warm, the frosting could melt and slide off.

How to Serve

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a delicious dessert at a dinner party, alongside a cup of tea for an afternoon snack, or as a birthday treat. The rich cream cheese frosting complements the spiced cake beautifully, and the cake is just as good the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s hot and humid where you live, consider storing the cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cakes in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve the cake warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the frosting may melt.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving.

2. Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?

Brown sugar gives this cake its deep flavor, but you can substitute it with white sugar if necessary. The flavor will be slightly different, but the cake will still turn out great.

3. Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, you can use a buttercream or whipped cream frosting in place of cream cheese frosting if you prefer.

4. How can I make the cake more moist?

Make sure to not overbake the cake and always store it in an airtight container to keep it moist.

5. How can I add more spice to the cake?

You can increase the amount of cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger in the recipe if you prefer a stronger spice flavor.

6. Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes, you can turn this cake recipe into cupcakes by filling cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter and baking at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

7. Can I add fruit to the cake?

You can add chopped apples, pears, or even raisins to the batter for added flavor and texture.

8. Can I make this cake without eggs?

You can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) to make this cake egg-free.

9. Can I freeze the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese frosting for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge before using.

10. How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator if the weather is hot and humid.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a delightful treat that combines the best of fall spices with the comforting sweetness of brown sugar. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a perfect finishing touch, making this cake a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just for an afternoon treat, this cake will bring warmth and joy to any table. Enjoy each bite and share it with family and friends!

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