Description
Bring the warmth of chai into your baking with this irresistibly spiced Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Infused with a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, this cake is moist, fluffy, and perfectly balanced by a tangy, creamy frosting. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
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Ingredients
For the Chai Spice Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit 5 mins)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
• Ground cinnamon or chai spice blend
• Candied ginger pieces
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour your baking pan(s), or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all spices.
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This chai spice mix creates a beautifully aromatic base.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
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In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine & Mix
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Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Do not overmix—stop when no streaks of flour remain.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
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Bake for 28–32 minutes (for 9×13-inch) or 22–26 minutes (for round pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
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In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
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Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and creamy.
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If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time to loosen.
Step 7: Frost & Decorate
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Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
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Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or extra chai spice for decoration.
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Garnish with candied ginger or chopped nuts if desired.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
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Slice and enjoy with a cup of chai tea or coffee.
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This cake is delicious fresh or even better the next day.
Notes
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps everything mix smoothly.
Don’t Overmix – For a soft, tender crumb.
Cool Completely Before Frosting – Warm cake will melt the frosting.
Customize the Spices – Adjust spice levels to your taste preference.
Double the Recipe – For a layered celebration cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American