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Brown Sugar Chai Cake


  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the rich warmth of chai spices with the deep sweetness of brown sugar. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is the perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making it a delicious treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Brown Sugar Chai Cake:

    • 390 g (3 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour

    • 320 g (1 ½ cups) dark brown sugar

    • 15 g (1 tbsp + ¾ tsp) baking powder

    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

    • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

    • 2 teaspoons cardamom

    • 1 teaspoon ginger

    • 1 teaspoon allspice

    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg

    • 1 teaspoon cloves

    • 140 g (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature

    • 100 g (½ cup) neutral oil

    • 283 g (1 ¼ cups) whole milk, room temperature

    • 2 large eggs, room temperature

    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

    For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

    • 227 g (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature

    • 12 oz (1 ½ blocks) cream cheese, cold

    • 340 g (3 cups) powdered sugar, sifted


Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves). Set aside.

  • In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and neutral oil until light and fluffy.

  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition.

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and cold cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

  • Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.

  • Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake layers and on top of the cake. Smooth the frosting evenly for a polished look.

  • Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preference. Add more cinnamon or cardamom for a bolder chai flavor.

  • This cake can be made ahead of time. Once frosted, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon or crushed chai spices over the frosting for decoration.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Cake, Chai, Spice Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Fusion (Chai Spice)

Keywords: Chai cake, brown sugar cake, cream cheese frosting, spice cake, chai spice cake, dessert, holiday cake