Name: Chai Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 2 h 8 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar; 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed; 3 eggs, at room temperature; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature; 1 1/4 cups (280 g) unsalted butter; 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold; 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar; 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk; 2 chai teabags; 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

If you’re looking to infuse your dessert table with the soul-soothing flavors of warming spices, this Chai Cake will steal the show. Imagine a beautifully tender, buttery cake infused with a gentle symphony of chai spices, soaked in a boldly aromatic chai milk mixture, and slathered in a luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting. Every bite delivers an irresistible swirl of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk elevating it to a whole new level. Whether you’re a long-time chai lover or brand new to its magic, this Chai Cake is about to become your favorite baking adventure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great bakes begin with purposeful ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy here—just everyday staples, plus a few essential spices, all working together to turn out a cake that’s tender, aromatic, and rich. Each element is chosen for the role it plays in nailing the taste, crumb, or dreaminess of this Chai Cake.

All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure, ensuring a tender, sturdy crumb to soak up every drop of chai milk.
Ground cinnamon: The defining note of chai spice, giving that signature warmth.
Ground ginger: Lends subtle heat and zingy undertones, perfect for balance.
Ground allspice: Supports the flavor mix with a peppery-sweet kick.
Ground nutmeg: Just a touch creates an elusive, perfumed sweetness.
Ground cardamom: Earthy and citrusy, cardamom makes this Chai Cake truly sing.
Ground cloves: Super potent, cloves add complexity so use them sparingly.
Baking powder & soda: Your secret weapons for a lofty, light crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens the spice flavors.
Unsalted butter (for the cake): Adds rich flavor and necessary moisture.
Granulated white sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create a soft, moist crumb.
Brown sugar: A hint of molasses goes a long way, boosting warmth and chew.
Eggs: Bind the batter and help set its tender structure.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out and deepens the spice profile.
Buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang and ensures an ultra-moist cake.
More unsalted butter (for frosting): We brown this for a nutty, caramelized dimension that makes the frosting unforgettable.
Cream cheese: Cold cream cheese helps the frosting hold up and delivers lush tanginess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the creamy frosting.
Whole milk: Used in the chai soak to impart richness and flavor into every morsel.
Chai tea bags: Steeped to infuse the milk with classic chai flavor—this is key!
Sweetened condensed milk: Thick, sweet, and totally decadent, it ensures the soak is deeply satisfying.
More vanilla extract: Brings everything together in the final milk soak.

How to Make Chai Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×9 inch light metal pan with parchment paper. It may seem like a small detail, but taking a few minutes to prepare the pan ensures your Chai Cake lifts out easily, yielding perfectly squared slices without sticking or frustration.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, all the fragrant spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves), along with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step disperses the spices, so every mouthful of cake boasts the full, balanced flavor of classic chai.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Grab a large bowl, and cream the softened butter together with both sugars for about two minutes on high. Don’t rush this! Proper creaming introduces air, yielding a fluffier, more delicate crumb in your Chai Cake, while ensuring the sugars dissolve smoothly.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing on medium until the batter becomes pale and homogenous—this usually takes about a minute. You’re aiming for an airy, silky mixture that will yield a moist, tender cake.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

On low speed, add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to your wet mixture in batches, taking turns. Going slowly here prevents lumps and keeps the Chai Cake batter extra smooth. Scrape down the bowl as needed, and stop as soon as you have a combined, creamy batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour this lovely, spiced batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–38 minutes. A toothpick poked into the center should emerge clean—your sign the cake is perfectly done and ready for its fragrant soak.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let your baked cake cool in its pan for 30 minutes on a wire rack, then gently lift it out using the parchment paper. Allow it to finish cooling on the rack until it’s completely at room temperature. Patience pays off and prevents a soggy bottom or melting frosting later.

Step 8: Make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake bakes, start the frosting. Melt your butter over medium heat, simmering until it’s foamy, fragrant, and deeply golden brown. Pop it in the fridge until it re-solidifies but stays soft. Then, whip on high speed until pale and fluffy, add the cream cheese, and whip until light. Sift in the powdered sugar, mixing first on low and then on high for perfect fluffiness.

Step 9: Make the Chai Milk Soak

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low until it’s steaming but not boiling. Add the chai tea bags and steep for 20 minutes, then discard the bags and cool. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. This magical soak will transform your cake into a sweet, spiced cloud.

Step 10: Assemble the Chai Cake

Once the cake is fully cool, trim a very thin layer off the top for maximum chai milk absorption. Place on a serving plate, then poke holes all over using a wooden stick or spoon handle. Now, slowly pour the chai milk soak over the top, letting it seep in patiently for total flavor infusion.

Step 11: Frost, Finish, and Slice

Spread the brown butter cream cheese frosting generously over the top of your Chai Cake. Add a dusting of cinnamon for both beauty and a hint of spice. Slice into sixteen dreamy squares and get ready for happy sighs all around!

How to Serve Chai Cake

Garnishes

Highlight the inviting warmth of your Chai Cake by topping each slice with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. For a show-stopping finish, add a touch of edible gold dust, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream. Edible flowers or star anise pods also make for an eye-catching, aromatic garnish.

Side Dishes

This cake is such a powerhouse on its own, but if you want to go all out, serve it alongside a warm cup of masala chai or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coolness of the ice cream plays beautifully with the spicy warmth of the Chai Cake. For something a bit lighter, try some poached pears or a citrus salad to complement the spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Embrace your artistic side by cutting the cake into elegant triangles or circles using cookie cutters—perfect for a fancy tea party! Use mini cake rings to assemble adorable individual Chai Cakes. Or set up a DIY frosting bar, letting guests top their own slices with toasted nuts, chocolate shavings, or extra chai spice blends at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chai Cake holds up surprisingly well, staying moist and flavorful for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container to keep the frosting from absorbing any fridge flavors.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap unfrosted or frosted pieces of Chai Cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. The cake freezes beautifully for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge—this preserves the wonderful texture and spice aroma.

Reheating

If you prefer your Chai Cake slightly warm (and who could blame you?), pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For larger portions, let the cake come to room temperature or warm in a low oven just until soft and fragrant—avoid overheating the frosting so it doesn’t melt.

FAQs

Can I use a different size pan for this Chai Cake?

You can! A 9×9 inch pan will yield perfect, thick slices, but you can also use an 8×8 inch pan for an even taller cake (just extend bake time a bit), or a 9×13 pan for thinner bars—bake for less time and keep an eye on doneness.

Can I make Chai Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (look for one that substitutes cup-for-cup and contains xanthan gum). You may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes and use as a homemade buttermilk substitute for your Chai Cake.

Can I use a different frosting?

Of course! While the brown butter cream cheese frosting is truly special, a classic cream cheese or vanilla buttercream will also work. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar makes the Chai Cake lovely for those who like things less sweet.

How can I intensify the chai flavor?

You can increase the amount of chai tea bags in the milk soak or add extra spice to your dry mix—taste and adjust the cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to suit your own craving for spice! Just keep things balanced so the flavor is delicious and not overpowering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to experience a truly comforting and flavor-packed dessert, this Chai Cake delivers everything you could wish for—warmth, spice, creaminess, and an air of celebration in every bite. It’s a treat worth sharing and savoring, so don’t wait another day to invite the magic of chai into your kitchen.