Chai Cake is a fragrant, warmly spiced dessert inspired by the classic Indian chai tea. Instead of drinking the tea, you taste those same cozy flavors — like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of black pepper — baked into soft, moist cake layers. Unlike plain cakes, chai cake brings a comforting mix of sweet and spice that evokes fall afternoons, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. It’s the kind of dessert that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
What makes chai cake unique is its spice blend. Chai spices are aromatic and deep, blending sweet warmth with slightly sharp edges from spices like black pepper and ginger. When baked into cake, these spices create layers of flavor that unfold with every bite. Many recipes call for a rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting that complements the spice perfectly, adding a creamy sweetness that balances the warmth of the chai.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chai Cake Layers
- 180 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 150 g dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 330 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 240 g sour cream, room temperature
- 60 g vegetable oil (like canola)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- 200 g butter, room temperature
- 280 g powdered sugar
- 30 g dark brown sugar
- 115 g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Step-by-Step: How to Bake Chai Cake
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line two 20 cm (8-inch) cake pans with parchment paper so the cakes will release easily after baking.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and all the chai spices — cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper — along with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In another large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Mix for about 3 minutes until the texture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to keep everything blended.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet
Add half of the dry mixture into the butter-sugar-egg mix and stir on low speed until just combined. Then add the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing gently until just incorporated. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want a tender cake.
6. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter equally between the two prepared pans. Bake for about 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake layers will stay light in color even when fully baked. Let them cool on a rack, and after about 5 minutes, remove them from the pans to cool completely.
Making the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Add the butter and dark brown sugar, and beat on high speed for about 3 minutes until light and smooth.
2. Add Cream Cheese and Vanilla
Add the cream cheese and vanilla bean paste, and beat on low speed for about 1 minute, then on medium for another minute until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
Assembling Your Chai Cake
Once your cake layers are completely cool:
- Trim the tops of the cakes if needed so they’re flat.
- Place the first layer on a cake stand or plate.
- Spread three large scoops of frosting evenly on top.
- Place the second layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat or full frosting layer as you like.
- For a decorative finish, you can leave the sides slightly exposed and sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon or star anise.
Tips for the Best Chai Cake
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend more smoothly and creates a fluffier texture.
- Weigh ingredients: For cakes with multiple spices and leavening agents, weighing ensures consistency.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of soft and tender.
- Serve at room temperature: Especially with cream cheese frosting, letting the cake come to room temperature enhances flavor and texture.
Enjoying Your Chai Cake
Chai Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of warm, aromatic spices that comfort and delight. The moist cake layers full of rich chai flavor pair beautifully with the smooth sweetness of brown sugar cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee when you crave something warm and comforting.