Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy spices and rich sweetness wrapped in a tender crumb, this Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine the warm embrace of chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom meeting the deep, molasses-like notes of dark brown sugar in a beautifully moist cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake feels like a comforting hug on a plate and is perfect for sharing with loved ones on any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step in making this cake. Each one plays a crucial role—from the all-purpose flour providing structure and body, to the chai spice blend that infuses every bite with incredible warmth and character. Using dark brown sugar gives the cake its signature rich flavor and moist texture, while the combination of cream cheese and butter ensures a silky, tangy frosting that complements the spices perfectly.

• 2 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s sturdy yet tender foundation.
• 1 ¼ cups dark brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the cake moist.
• 1 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or light-tasting olive oil): Contributes moistness without overpowering flavors.
• 1 cup whole milk: Balances the richness and helps create a soft crumb.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and sweetness.
• 1 tbsp chai spice blend (or mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves): The soul of the cake, delivering warm, fragrant spices.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Works with brown sugar to create a tender texture.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• 8 oz cream cheese, cold: Creates a smooth, tangy frosting.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Boosts the frosting’s fragrance and flavor.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness for a velvety finish.

How to Make Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Kick off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans generously and line them with parchment paper. This little trick ensures your cakes release effortlessly and keep their beautiful shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, chai spice blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taking a moment to combine these thoroughly makes sure every bite delivers an even distribution of that wonderful spice flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, vigorously mix the dark brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Aim for a smooth consistency free of lumps. This wet mixture will soak into the dry ingredients and create the cake’s tender texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet, folding gently until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix here; you want the batter to remain light and airy for the perfect crumb.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops gently. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is your sign that the cakes are perfectly baked—moist and tender inside with just enough structure to hold together.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is key to preventing your frosting from melting and losing its creamy texture.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cold cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and luscious. This frosting is the perfect creamy counterpoint to the spiced cake layers.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth it out or create waves for a charming, rustic look that invites people in for a taste.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can turn this beautiful cake into a showstopper. Consider sprinkling ground cinnamon or a few whole cardamom pods on top for an extra hint of chai aroma. A dusting of finely chopped toasted nuts adds a delightful crunch contrasting the soft cake and creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or spiced coffee to mirror and enhance its flavors. If you want to offer a more balanced dessert experience, serve alongside lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to cool down the spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe into an elegant centerpiece by stacking the layers with frosting between, then decorating the top with edible flowers or candied ginger slices. You can even transform it into cupcakes for individual servings, perfect for gatherings or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to save the cake for longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting, or freeze the fully assembled and frosted cake if protected well, though it’s best eaten within a month.

Reheating

This cake tastes fantastic slightly warmed. Pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let it sit at room temperature to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel. Just avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar in this recipe?

You can substitute light brown sugar for dark, but keep in mind the flavor will be milder since dark brown sugar has more molasses content that adds richness and moisture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, you can adapt the recipe. The chai spice and other flavors remain just as wonderful.

What chai spices work best in the Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe?

The traditional blend includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. You can adjust the quantities to your liking, but these spices together create that classic chai warmth.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With a few ingredient swaps like using flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives, this cake can definitely be made vegan-friendly while still tasting delicious.

How long does the frosting stay fresh?

When refrigerated, the cream cheese frosting remains fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Always keep the cake covered well to prevent the frosting from drying out.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way the rich, spiced flavors of the Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe come together to create a cake that feels both comforting and a little adventurous. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll reach for it whenever you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something cozy and sweet. So go ahead—bake this gem and share the happiness it brings with those you love!

Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

A moist and flavorful Brown Sugar Chai Cake infused with warm chai spices and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers who enjoy a spiced treat.

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Ingredients

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For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or light-tasting olive oil)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp chai spice blend (or mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, cold
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the unbleached all-purpose flour, chai spice blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the dark brown sugar, neutral oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous with no lumps.
4. Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the cake dense.
5. Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
6. Bake the Cakes: Place the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully cooked.
7. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully; frosting chilled or room temperature cakes prevents melting.
8. Prepare the Frosting: Beat the cold cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
9. Assemble and Frost: Level the cooled cake layers if needed. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly with the remaining frosting.
10. Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and serve immediately or refrigerate to set the frosting before serving.

Notes

• Room temperature eggs and milk help to create a smooth batter.
• You can make your own chai spice blend by mixing cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves if you don’t have a pre-made blend.
• If you prefer, substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk for a different dietary option, but results may slightly vary.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
• For easier slicing, chill the frosted cake before serving.
• Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American