Name: Chai Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

This Chai Cake is a warm and cozy treat that brings the aromatic spices of a chai latte into soft, moist cake form. With notes of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, each bite offers a perfectly balanced spiced sweetness that feels like a hug from the inside out. The frosting? A creamy, cinnamon-kissed dream that complements the spiced crumb in the most indulgent way.

Perfect for fall gatherings or a simple weekend treat, this cake is easy to make and even easier to fall in love with. Whether you’re a chai enthusiast or just dipping your spoon into the world of warm spices, this dessert will win your heart with its rich flavor and tender texture.

What Kind of Chai Spices Should I Use?

Traditional chai blends usually include a mixture of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. For this cake, ground versions of these spices make things super simple and evenly distribute flavor throughout the batter. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also steep chai tea bags in milk and use that as your liquid base to deepen the chai essence.

Ingredients for the Chai Cake

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb that holds the spices and moisture beautifully.

Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses richness that enhances the spice profile.

Eggs: Help bind the batter and create a light, fluffy texture.

Butter: For richness and that unmistakable melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Vanilla Extract: A background warmth that enhances all the chai spices.

Baking Powder + Baking Soda: A combo that ensures lift and balance in the crumb.

Milk: Keeps the batter moist and can be infused with chai spices for added depth.

Ground Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg: These key chai spices bring warmth, flavor, and aroma.

Powdered Sugar + Cream Cheese (for the frosting): Create a creamy, tangy-sweet topping that pairs like magic with the spiced cake.

How To Make the Chai Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by setting your butter, eggs, and milk out to reach room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly and create a smoother batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg). This ensures the spices are evenly dispersed.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This can take 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry mixture to maintain a smooth batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition. Finish with a splash of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Spread generously over the cooled cake.

How to Serve and Store This Chai Cake

Serve your Chai Cake slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The creamy frosting firms up beautifully in the fridge, and the spices continue to deepen with time. For an extra special treat, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.

This cake is perfect on its own, but also pairs well with a chai latte, a spiced tea, or even a vanilla bean ice cream scoop on the side for dessert.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have all the chai spices?

No problem! You can use a store-bought chai spice blend or steep 2–3 chai tea bags in warm milk and use that as your liquid base. The flavor will still be warm and comforting.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

Does the cake need to be refrigerated?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store this cake in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before serving if you prefer a softer texture.

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely. Vanilla buttercream or whipped cream topping work well, though cream cheese frosting really complements the chai flavor.

Can I bake this in a different pan size?

Yes, this recipe works well in two 8-inch round pans for a layer cake. Just reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on doneness.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Spiced Twist?

If this cozy Chai Cake has you craving more comforting bakes, here are a few other favorites from the blog you’ll want to try:

Amish Applesauce Cake for a moist and warmly spiced old-fashioned delight.
Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie when you’re in the mood for something classic and silky.
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake brings rich, buttery flavor with a caramel drizzle.
Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes if you’re looking for bright citrus notes in a cute single-serve form.
Homemade German Chocolate Cake for a layered indulgence with coconut-pecan frosting.

Each one brings its own charm and flavor personality, perfect for rotating through the seasons or any special celebration.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use all the spices or tweak them a bit? Maybe you added a glaze or served it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream?

I love seeing your spins on these bakes—share your pics and tips below!

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