Irresistible Easy Spice Cake (Chai Cake) with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Perfect Fall Dessert
Discover the ultimate homemade treat with this easy spice cake recipe, often lovingly called chai cake. Crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients, this soft, incredibly moist layer cake is a symphony of flavors. It’s generously paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, a drizzle of rich caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of aromatic cinnamon and crunchy pistachios, making every bite an unforgettable experience. This recipe transforms your kitchen into a haven of warmth and enticing aromas, perfect for any occasion.
As a devoted admirer of Masala Chai Tea (Karak Chai), I always knew its captivating flavors would eventually find their way into my baking repertoire. This delightful creation beautifully blends the robust character of a traditional bundt cake with the delicate lightness of a sponge cake. Each slice is an explosion of aromatic warmth and authentic chai spices, making it an absolute show-stopper for your Thanksgiving feast or any cozy fall gathering. It’s a comforting dessert that stands proudly alongside favorites like my Easy Rustic Cake (Tiered Cake), promising to impress with its unique and comforting profile.
Table of contents
- Key ingredients
- Variations
- How to make easy spice cake recipe (chai cake) from scratch?
- Tips and techniques
- Recipe FAQs
- Storage
- More easy Fall and Thanksgiving Cakes
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Chai Spice Cake
Crafting this incredible chai spice cake starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the cake’s signature flavor and moist texture.
- Milk- Using warm milk is essential for effectively infusing the chai tea flavor. The warmth helps extract the maximum aroma and spice from the tea bags, creating a rich base for your cake batter.
- Tea bags- Opt for vanilla spiced chai tea bags. The vanilla complements the warming spices beautifully, adding an extra layer of complexity and depth to the cake’s flavor profile. Fresh tea bags are key for potent flavor.
- Butter- Always choose unsalted butter for baking. This allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your dessert, preventing it from becoming too salty or unbalanced. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
- Granulated Sugar- This provides the primary sweetness and also helps to create a tender crumb structure when creamed with the butter. Do not confuse it with powdered sugar, which has a different texture and use.
- Eggs- Large eggs, at room temperature, are vital for emulsification. They bind the ingredients, add richness, and contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture. Room temperature eggs blend smoothly into the batter, preventing curdling.
- Vanilla extract- A classic enhancer, vanilla extract brings a lovely, warm aroma and flavor that harmonizes with the bold spices in the chai. Use pure vanilla for the best results.
- Ginger- Freshly grated ginger is a game-changer here, offering a much stronger, more vibrant flavor than powdered ginger. It provides a delightful zing that elevates the chai spice blend.
- Flour- All-purpose flour is specifically called for in this recipe to achieve the desired texture and structure. Substitutions with other types of flour may alter the cake’s consistency and rise.
- Baking powder- This leavening agent works by releasing carbon dioxide when mixed with liquid and exposed to heat, helping the cake to rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking Soda- Activated by acidic ingredients (though less prominent here, it reacts with other components), baking soda aids in the cake’s lift and contributes to its tender crumb, preventing it from becoming too dense.
- Cinnamon powder- A foundational spice in any good spice cake or chai blend, cinnamon adds a classic, sweet warmth that pairs wonderfully with all the other spices.
- Cardamom powder- Known for its distinctive floral and slightly citrusy notes, cardamom is a key ingredient in authentic chai and beautifully complements cinnamon, adding an exotic depth.
- Nutmeg powder- Its distinct, earthy, and slightly sweet aroma is instantly recognizable and delicious. Nutmeg adds a cozy, comforting layer to the overall spice blend.
- Cloves powder- With its warm, pungent, and subtly sweet flavor, clove powder works synergistically with the other spices, completing the perfect flavor combination that defines chai.
- Pistachios- These not only add a fantastic crunch and textural contrast but also serve as a beautiful, vibrant green decoration, making the cake visually appealing.
- Cream cheese frosting- A rich, tangy, and sweet frosting made from cream cheese, butter, milk, vanilla, and cornstarch. Its slight tartness perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness and spice.
- Spiced caramel sauce- This homemade sauce, featuring simple ingredients like sugar, butter, vanilla, and heavy cream, adds an extra layer of decadent sweetness and complements the spice flavors beautifully.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Spice Cake
While the classic chai spice cake is utterly delightful on its own, here are several creative ways to adapt this recipe and explore new flavor profiles:
Pumpkin- If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, instead of altering this recipe, I highly recommend exploring my popular Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe. It’s specifically formulated to deliver all those warm, comforting fall flavors with a wonderfully moist texture that pumpkin lovers adore.
Apple- You can certainly stir in about 1 finely diced apple into the cake batter for a subtle fruity note. HOWEVER, for a truly outstanding apple-infused dessert, I strongly recommend trying my delicious Apple Pie Cake Recipe or this incredibly easy Apple Cake Recipe With Cake Mix. These recipes are optimized for apple flavor and texture.
Use other nuts- While pistachios brilliantly complement this cake with their delicate flavor and satisfying crunch, feel free to experiment with other nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would also be delicious additions. You can also omit nuts entirely if you prefer, or if there are allergy concerns.
Chocolate- Infusing chocolate into this spice cake offers a delightful twist. Here are a few ways to achieve it:
- You can stir in mini chocolate chips directly into the cake batter for pockets of melted chocolate.
- Instead of the spiced caramel sauce, consider drizzling a rich Hot Fudge Sauce (Chocolate Fudge Sauce) or a glossy Chocolate Ganache over the layers.
- For the frosting, swap the cream cheese icing for a decadent Chocolate Buttercream Frosting or a lighter Coconut Cream Chocolate Frosting.
Banana option- For a banana-infused spice cake, start with this excellent Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe. Then, to give it that spice cake flair, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, ¼ teaspoon of cardamom powder, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of clove powder to the batter. The banana and spices create a wonderfully moist and fragrant cake.
Cupcakes- This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to cupcakes. Simply prepare the batter as directed, then fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Remember to significantly reduce the baking time, typically to about 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Applesauce version- Rather than modifying this specific recipe for applesauce, I highly recommend turning to my tried-and-true Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake Recipe. It’s specially formulated with applesauce and packed with complementary flavors, ensuring a delicious and moist result every time.
Use a mix- For a quick and easy shortcut, you can transform a store-bought cake mix into a delightful chai spice cake. Follow the directions on your cake mix box, but make these key substitutions: replace the water with strong, brewed chai tea, and enhance the spice profile by adding ¼ teaspoon each of cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder. Also, use 4 large eggs instead of the typical 3, and substitute the oil with an equal quantity of melted butter for richer flavor and moisture.
Try other spices or spice blends– Feel free to experiment with other warming spices like allspice, or try a pre-made pumpkin spice blend for convenience. For an adventurous twist, a tiny pinch of chili powder can add a subtle, intriguing kick to your spice blend, creating a new dimension of flavor.
Other decorating ideas– Beyond pistachios and caramel, you can elevate your cake’s presentation with elegant decorations. Consider garnishing the top with delicate Chocolate Leaves (Made With Fresh Mint) for a sophisticated touch, or scatter glistening Sugared Cranberries (Candied Cranberries) for a festive and colorful finish, especially during the holiday season.
How to Make This Easy Spice Cake (Chai Cake) from Scratch
Follow these simple steps to create a beautifully spiced and moist chai cake that will impress everyone:
- Prepare the chai tea– First, gently warm your milk. Then, steep the tea bags in the warm milk for about 10 minutes to extract all their wonderful flavors. Once infused, squeeze the tea bags to release any remaining liquid before discarding them. Set this aromatic chai milk aside to cool slightly.
- Cream butter and sugar- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cake’s tender texture.
- Mix in wet ingredients– Gradually add the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and the finely grated fresh ginger until everything is smoothly combined.
- Whisk together dry ingredients- In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and all your ground spices (cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves). This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine mixtures- Carefully add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with the prepared chai tea. Mix until just combined. It’s crucial not to over-mix at this stage; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will ensure a moist, tender cake.
- Bake the cake- Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured (or parchment-lined) round cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully cooked.
- Cool the cakes- Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans on a wire rack before attempting to handle them. Once cooled, gently remove them from the pans.
- Assemble the first layer- Place one cooled cake layer onto your chosen serving dish or cake stand. Evenly spread a generous layer of creamy cream cheese frosting over the top. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and drizzle some spiced caramel sauce.
- Add the second layer- Carefully place the second cake layer directly on top of the frosted first layer, gently pressing down to secure it.
- Decorate and serve– Finish by pouring additional spiced caramel sauce around the edges of the top cake layer, allowing it to drip attractively down the sides. Frost the entire top surface with the remaining cream cheese frosting and garnish with more chopped pistachios. Slice and indulge in your homemade chai spice cake!
Essential Tips and Techniques for the Best Chai Spice Cake
Achieving the perfect chai spice cake involves a few key techniques and considerations. Keep these tips in mind for a consistently delicious result:
- Choose the best icing- In my opinion, cream cheese frosting is the quintessential pairing for this spice cake. Its sweet and slightly tangy profile perfectly complements the warming spices of the chai, offering a delightful balance. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, consider a rich maple frosting, a classic American Buttercream Frosting, a smooth White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, a light Marshmallow Frosting, or even a fluffy Seven Minute Frosting.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature– This is a crucial step for achieving a smooth, well-emulsified batter. Room temperature ingredients (especially butter and eggs) blend together seamlessly, creating a more uniform mixture and a finer, more tender cake crumb. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or become lumpy.
- Chai tea truly elevates this baked good- The distinctive flavor of chai tea, infused into warm milk, is what makes this cake so special. The tea bags release a complex blend of spices that permeates the entire cake. For the best flavor and aroma, always use fresh tea bags; older tea bags lose their potency over time. This ensures a vibrant and authentic chai taste.
- Cover cakes with plastic wrap- Once your baked cake layers have cooled down completely, I highly recommend wrapping them tightly in saran wrap and refrigerating them, ideally overnight. This process locks in moisture, resulting in an incredibly moist cake. Furthermore, chilled cakes are much easier to trim and frost, as they produce fewer crumbs and hold their shape better.
- Avoid over-mixing the batter- Over-mixing develops too much gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, chewy, and dense cake rather than a soft and tender one. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable and often indicate you haven’t over-mixed. The batter should be noticeably thick.
- Adjust spice quantities to your preference– The spice blend provided is a recommendation, but feel free to tailor it to your taste. If you prefer a stronger ginger kick, add a little more fresh ginger. If you love cardamom, increase that amount slightly. Experiment to find your perfect balance!
- Never assemble a warm cake– Patience is key! Attempting to frost a warm cake will cause the icing to melt and slide off, creating a sticky, messy disaster. Ensure your cake layers are thoroughly cooled to room temperature, or even slightly chilled, before you begin frosting.
- Use only all-purpose flour for this recipe– This recipe has been developed specifically with all-purpose flour. Using other types of flour, such as cake flour, bread flour, or gluten-free blends, may significantly alter the cake’s structure, texture, and rise, potentially leading to unsuccessful results.
- Properly prepare your cake pans– To prevent your cakes from sticking and ensure easy release, always line your pans with parchment paper on the bottom and generously grease the sides. Alternatively, you can grease and flour the entire pan surface thoroughly.
Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
At its core, carrot cake is indeed a type of spiced baked good, featuring many of the same warming spices found in a traditional spice cake. The primary distinction lies in the addition of shredded carrots to the batter. These carrots not only contribute a natural sweetness but also impart a distinctly tender and moist texture to the cake, differentiating it from a purely spiced cake.
While this particular recipe is designed for baking from scratch, you can certainly adapt a store-bought cake mix to achieve a similar chai-spiced flavor profile. To transform a basic cake mix, follow the instructions provided in this helpful post on How to Make Box Cake Better (Taste Homemade). Specifically, replace any milk or water called for on the box with rich, brewed chai tea. Further enhance the flavor by adding ¼ teaspoon each of cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and clove powder, along with an additional ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder. For added richness, use 4 large eggs instead of the typical 3 eggs, and replace the oil with an equal quantity of melted butter. Bake according to the box instructions, then proceed to assemble and frost your cake as per the instructions in this recipe.
A dry cake is typically a sign of over-baking. When a cake bakes for too long, excess moisture evaporates, leaving you with a crumbly, dry texture. Other contributing factors can include incorrect ingredient measurements (especially too much flour or not enough liquid/fat), an oven temperature that is too high, or opening the oven door too frequently during baking. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature and test for doneness with a toothpick at the minimum suggested bake time.
Unfortunately, this specific recipe is not ideal for a bundt cake pan. Bundt cakes typically require a batter with a firmer, more robust texture to hold their intricate shapes during baking and removal. This chai spice cake, on the other hand, is intentionally formulated to be soft and airy, designed for layer cake presentation. Its delicate texture would make it challenging to cleanly remove from a bundt pan without it crumbling or sticking.
Storage Solutions for Your Chai Spice Cake
Proper storage ensures your delicious chai spice cake stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible:
- Make Ahead- For convenience, both the unfrosted cake layers and the cream cheese frosting can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store the cooled cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator, and keep the frosting in a separate airtight container in the fridge. Allow the frosting to come to room temperature and re-whip briefly before decorating.
- Room Temperature- If your cake is fully assembled and frosted, it can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days, especially if your cream cheese frosting is stable. However, for optimal freshness and safety, refrigeration is usually recommended due to the cream cheese.
- Refrigerate– Leftover slices or a fully assembled cake (if cream cheese frosting is used) can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage.
- Freeze– To extend its life, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers and the frosting separately for up to 1 month. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store the frosting in an airtight freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw both components to room temperature and then assemble and decorate as desired.
More Easy Fall and Thanksgiving Cakes to Try
If you loved this chai spice cake, be sure to explore these other fantastic cake recipes perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings:
- Fresh Pear Cake (Pear Upside Down Cake): A delightful and elegant cake featuring tender pears and a hint of coconut.
- Sock it to Me Cake (With Cake Mix): A classic, buttery streusel-filled cake made effortlessly with a cake mix.
- Easy Ginger Cake (With Ginger Frosting): A wonderfully spicy and moist ginger cake, topped with a complementary ginger frosting.
- Cinnamon Roll Cake (With Cake Mix): All the flavors of a warm cinnamon roll in a convenient cake form, starting with a cake mix.
Recipe
Easy Spice Cake (Chai Cake)
Abeer Rizvi
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Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup Milk Warm
- 8 Tea bags Vanilla spiced chai tea flavor
- 1 cup Butter Unsalted
- 1 ½ cups Granulated sugar
- 4 Eggs Large
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger Finely grated
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cloves powder
Frosting, Filling and Decoration
- 2 cups Cream cheese frosting
- 1 cup Spiced caramel sauce
- ½ cup Pistachios
Instructions
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Pour warm milk in a deep bowl and add all the tea bags. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. Then, squeeze out all the milk from the tea bags and discard them. Keep this chai milk aside for now and move on to the next step.
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In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs, one at a time, while continuing to mix.
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Add vanilla extract and ground ginger and mix again.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and all the spices.
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Dump this dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix everything together while adding the chai milk until just combined. The batter will be thick and there might be some lumps but don’t over mix!
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Pour this batter into two 8×2 greased/floured round cake pans.
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Bake at 350 degrees F for about 40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
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Allow the cakes to cool down completely.
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Then, trim the edges and tops of each cake with a sharp knife.
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Place one cake on a cake stand and frost the top with frosting. I used a piping bag with Tip #1M.
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Spread some chopped pistachios and drizzle some caramel sauce.
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Then, place the other cake on top of this frosting layer.
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Pour some caramel sauce around the edges of the cake only.
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Finally, frost the top of this cake with frosting and toss some more pistachios. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Remember, patience is a virtue in baking! Do not assemble or frost a warm cake, as the icing will melt and create a messy outcome.
- For the most robust and authentic chai flavor, always use fresh tea bags to brew your chai milk. Stale tea bags will result in a weaker infusion.
- To achieve a tender and moist cake, avoid the temptation to over-mix your batter. A few small lumps are perfectly normal and indicate you haven’t over-developed the gluten, which can lead to a tough cake.
- Ensure your cake pans are meticulously prepared. This means either lining them with parchment paper on the bottom or thoroughly greasing and flouring them to prevent any sticking and ensure an easy release.
- Don’t forget to review the additional tips and variations mentioned earlier in this post for even more ways to perfect and customize your chai spice cake.
- Leftover cake, when stored in a sealed, airtight container, will remain delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining its moisture and flavor.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.