Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Imagine a cozy afternoon where the air is filled with the warm, inviting aroma of spiced cakes baking in the oven. This is the essence of the Brown Sugar Chai Cake. Ground spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg swirl together with the sweetness of dark brown sugar, creating a symphony of flavors that dance in your mouth with every bite. The cake is moist, with a delightful crumb that feels like a hug, perfectly paired with a rich cream cheese frosting that adds a velvety finish.

Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or treating yourself on a quiet day, this recipe brings the comforting taste of home right to your kitchen. Let the flavors transport you to a cozy café where every slice feels like a warm embrace. Bake this weekend and embrace the heartwarming experience of making and savoring this delightful cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for cozy weekends or brunch with family
• Wholesome flavor that feels like home
• Tender crumb and rich spiced notes
• Cream cheese frosting adds a luscious touch

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 390 g all-purpose flour – for a fluffy and light texture
• 320 g dark brown sugar – enriches the cake with deep flavor and moisture
• 15 g baking powder – helps the cake rise beautifully
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – enhances flavor
• 1 tbsp cinnamon – warm, aromatic spice
• 2 tsp cardamom – adds a sweet floral note
• 1 tsp ginger – gives a gentle kick
• 1 tsp allspice – offers a blend of warm spices
• 1 tsp nutmeg – provides nutty, earthy undertones
• 1 tsp cloves – adds a sweet and spicy flavor
• 140 g unsalted butter (room temp) – creates a rich texture
• 100 g neutral oil – keeps the cake moist
• 283 g whole milk (room temp) – adds creaminess
• 2 eggs (room temp) – binds the ingredients for structure
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
• 227 g unsalted butter (room temp) – for a luxuriously creamy frosting
• 12 oz cream cheese (cold) – a tangy base for the frosting
• 340 g powdered sugar (sifted) – sweetens and thickens the frosting

Step-by-Step Directions

For the brown sugar chai cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In another mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in the neutral oil, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake light.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For the cream cheese frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and cold cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase speed and beat until fluffy.

For assembly:

1. Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. Carefully place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
3. Optionally, decorate with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or whole spices for a lovely finish.

Pro Tips for Success

• Measure flour correctly for a light texture. Use a spoon to fluff the flour, then spoon it into your measuring cup.
• Let baked goods cool before glazing to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results.
• If possible, let the finished cake sit for a few hours or overnight; the flavors deepen as it rests.

Variations and Creative Twists

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can give a delightful crunch to the texture.
• Chocolate lovers: Consider folding in chocolate chips for a fun twist.
• Fruity additions: Adding raisins or dried cranberries can introduce a lovely tartness.
• Maple cream cheese frosting: Swap out the vanilla extract in the frosting for maple syrup to add a unique touch.

How to Store or Freeze

To keep your Brown Sugar Chai Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container in the freezer. They will stay fresh for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Serving Ideas

Serve slices warm with a steaming cup of chai or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. It’s ideal for packing in lunchboxes, bringing to family gatherings, or simply enjoying on a cozy weekend at home. Each bite of cake, paired with the rich, creamy frosting, will whisk you away to a place of comfort and happiness.

For More Recipe Inspiration

Looking for more delightful ideas? Check out these recipes:

• Protein Muffins
• Smash Cake
• Bento Cake Recipe

Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Emily

A moist, spiced cake made with dark brown sugar, enriched with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 390 g all-purpose flour for a fluffy and light texture
• 320 g dark brown sugar enriches the cake with deep flavor and moisture
• 15 g baking powder helps the cake rise beautifully
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt enhances flavor
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon warm, aromatic spice
• 2 teaspoon cardamom adds a sweet floral note
• 1 teaspoon ginger gives a gentle kick
• 1 teaspoon allspice offers a blend of warm spices
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg provides nutty, earthy undertones
• 1 teaspoon cloves adds a sweet and spicy flavor
• 140 g unsalted butter (room temp) creates a rich texture
• 100 g neutral oil keeps the cake moist
• 283 g whole milk (room temp) adds creaminess
• 2 pieces eggs (room temp) binds the ingredients for structure
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor

For the cream cheese frosting

• 227 g unsalted butter (room temp) for a luxuriously creamy frosting
• 12 oz cream cheese (cold) a tangy base for the frosting
• 340 g powdered sugar (sifted) sweetens and thickens the frosting

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
• In another mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in the neutral oil, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake light.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Baking

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting Preparation

• In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and cold cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase speed and beat until fluffy.

Assembly

• Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.
• Carefully place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
• Optionally, decorate with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or whole spices for a lovely finish.

Notes

Measure flour correctly for a light texture. Use a spoon to fluff the flour, then spoon it into your measuring cup. Let baked goods cool before glazing to prevent the frosting from melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results. If possible, let the finished cake sit for a few hours or overnight; the flavors deepen as it rests.

Keyword brown sugar, cake, chai, dessert, spiced cake

Brown Sugar Chai Cake – FAQs

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Indulge in the warmth and spice of this Brown Sugar Chai Cake; it’s sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.