Description
Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a warm, spiced dessert that combines the richness of brown sugar with the aromatic flavors of chai spices. The cake is soft, moist, and packed with the delightful combination of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, making it the perfect treat for cozy evenings, fall gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a comforting dessert. Topped with a smooth frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s easy to make, and its deep, fragrant flavors will fill your home with an irresistible scent. Whether served as an afternoon snack with tea or as a centerpiece at your next gathering, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup milk
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1/2 cup brewed chai tea (cooled)
For the Frosting (optional):
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. -
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Set aside. -
Cream Butter and Brown Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. -
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. -
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and brewed chai tea. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. -
Make the Frosting (optional):
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you like, add cinnamon to the frosting for an extra touch of spice. -
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting on top. You can also dust the cake with a little ground cinnamon or powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
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Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and enjoy your warm, spiced Brown Sugar Chai Cake with a cup of tea or coffee!
Notes
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For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese.
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If you don’t want frosting, this cake is also delicious on its own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
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Feel free to experiment with different chai blends to find the flavor combination you like best.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Indian-inspired (Chai)
Keywords: Chai cake, brown sugar cake, spiced cake, chai spiced dessert, easy cake recipe, fall cake