Hello, Dessert Lovers!
Welcome! If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that warms your soul, I’ve got just the thing for you: an Extra Moist Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Trust me, this cake is the definition of comfort food! It’s fluffy, packed with delightful spices, and paired with a creamy frosting that will make your taste buds sing.
The Comfort of Chai
What I love most about this cake is how it wraps me in a warm hug with every bite. The spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg—remind me of a cozy afternoon spent sipping chai. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you can whip it up for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because you feel like baking, this cake is always a hit!
Nutritional Benefits of Chai Cake
You might be surprised, but this chai cake has some health perks too! The spices used in chai—like ginger and cinnamon—aren’t just flavorful, they also have some wonderful health benefits. Ginger may help with digestion, while cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Making this cake at home allows you to enjoy these benefits without all the preservatives found in store-bought treats!
Fun Variations to Try
- Gluten-free option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- For a fruity twist: Add some chopped apples or pears to the batter for extra moisture and flavor.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free butter and milk alternative to keep it completely dairy-free.
- Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture to contrast the soft cake.
- Chai Tea Swap: Experiment with different types of tea (like Earl Grey or matcha) for a unique flavor profile!
Easy Recipe for Extra Moist Chai Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brewed chai tea (cooled to room temperature)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Cinnamon (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—this really helps to get them out easily later!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You want it to look almost like whipped cream!
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract—oh, the aroma!
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices: ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This is where the magic begins!
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk and the cooled chai tea. Start and end with the flour mixture for perfectly blended batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops. It’s okay to lick the spatula—just sayin’!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- When the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and generously spread some cream cheese frosting on top. Then, place the second cake layer on top and frost everything with the remaining frosting.
- To finish it off, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top for that extra flair.
- Slice and serve your extra moist chai cake, and don’t forget to savor each cozy bite!
Practical Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh—if there are any leftovers, that is!
- You can prepare the cream cheese frosting a day ahead, just let it chill in the fridge—easy peasy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- A mixing bowl for the batter
- Another bowl for the frosting
- A whisk or electric mixer for effortless mixing
- A spatula for smoothing batter and frosting
- A wire rack for cooling the cakes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of sugar? Sure! Brown sugar can give your cake a lovely caramel flavor.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- How can I tell if my cake is done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost just before serving.
- What if I want to make cupcakes instead? Great idea! This batter works perfectly for cupcakes—just reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear how your Extra Moist Chai Cake turns out! Feel free to share your creations with me on Pinterest; I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking!
