Description
Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of this Spiced Brown Sugar Chai Layer Cake. Moist layers of chai-infused cake are stacked with a creamy cinnamon-ginger frosting, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup strong brewed chai tea (cooled)
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons brewed chai tea (or milk)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. Combine the milk and brewed chai in a separate measuring cup.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk/tea mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool in pans before transferring to wire racks.
- Make frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and salt. Adjust consistency with chai or milk.
- Assemble the cake: Frost and stack the cake layers, chilling slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger chai flavor, steep two tea bags in 1/2 cup boiling water and cool before using.
- This cake pairs well with a hot cup of chai or coffee.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
