Spiced Brown Sugar Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Adam

Spiced Brown Sugar Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Few desserts can capture both comfort and sophistication the way a Brown Sugar Chai Cake does. With its deep caramel-like sweetness from dark brown sugar and the warm embrace of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake tastes like a cozy hug in every slice. It’s the kind of dessert that feels perfect for fall and winter but is elegant enough to serve year-round at birthdays, holiday gatherings, or afternoon tea parties. This recipe is inspired by the classic flavors of masala chai—a fragrant spiced tea enjoyed across South Asia and loved worldwide. Instead of serving it in a cup, we’ve transformed it into a cake that bursts with spiced aroma and indulgence. The pairing of cream cheese frosting with this moist cake makes it irresistible, balancing sweetness with tangy creaminess. Unlike plain vanilla or chocolate cakes, a chai-spiced cake delivers something unexpected and unique. Every bite is layered with complexity: the warmth of cinnamon, the floral notes of cardamom, the subtle heat of ginger, and the boldness of cloves. It’s a cake that sparks conversation, surprises guests, and lingers beautifully on the palate. If you’ve been searching for a cake that’s both comforting and show-stopping, this Brown Sugar Chai Cake is the one. It’s moist, fluffy, rich with flavor, and crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that ties everything together.

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Prep Time 25

bake & Frosting & Assembly & Cooling time 1 40

Total Time 2 5

Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Here’s the complete list of ingredients needed to prepare this spiced Brown Sugar Chai Cake:

For the Cake:

390 g 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
15 g 1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp allspice
2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
320 g 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar, packed
100 g ½ cup neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
2 large eggs room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
283 g 1 ⅛ cups whole milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

367 g 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
12 oz 340 g cream cheese, softened
340 g 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Equipment

To make this Brown Sugar Chai Cake, you’ll need the following tools:
2 Medium mixing bowls
1 Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Kitchen scale (for accurate measurements)
9-inch round cake pans (two or three, depending on layer preference)
Cooling racks
Offset spatula (for frosting)
Parchment paper
Sifter (optional, for flour and powdered sugar)

Method

Follow these steps for a perfectly spiced and frosted Brown Sugar Chai Cake:

Step 1: Prepare your baking pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or oil.
Line bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and all the ground spices (ginger, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg).
Set aside.

Step 3: Cream sugar and wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the brown sugar, neutral oil, and eggs using a mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla extract and continue mixing.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the cake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Smooth tops with a spatula.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the cakes

Remove pans from oven and allow cakes to cool for 10 minutes.
Turn cakes onto a cooling rack and let cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the cream cheese frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
Beat in vanilla extract.
Whip until frosting is light and creamy.

Step 8: Assemble the cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread frosting evenly across the top.
Place second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining cream cheese frosting.
For decoration, dust lightly with cinnamon or garnish with crushed nuts.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Keep frosted cake covered for up to 1 day.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before frosting.

Reheating: Not recommended for frosted cakes, but individual slices can be warmed briefly in the microwave (10 seconds) for a just-baked feel.

🥄 Variations

Chai Latte Cake: Replace part of the milk with brewed chai tea for stronger tea notes.

Nutty Chai Cake: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.

Fruit Twist: Fold in chopped apples or pears for natural sweetness.

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Dairy-Free Frosting: Substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan versions.

Bundt Cake Version: Bake in a bundt pan and drizzle with spiced glaze instead of frosting.

❓ 10 FAQs

What makes this cake “chai”?
The blend of spices—cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger—gives the cake its chai-inspired flavor.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
Yes, but dark brown sugar gives a richer, caramel-like flavor.

Do I need a stand mixer?
No, a hand mixer works perfectly, or even a whisk with some effort.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?
Yes, reduce the powdered sugar to 2 cups and adjust to taste.

What if I don’t like cream cheese frosting?
You can use buttercream, whipped cream, or even a simple glaze.

Can I add actual chai tea to the cake?
Yes, replace some milk with cooled, strong-brewed chai tea.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a layer cake?
Absolutely—this batter makes about 24 cupcakes. Bake for 18–20 minutes.

How do I keep my cake moist?
Don’t overbake and store properly covered to lock in moisture.

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Yes, bake and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then frost the next day.

What toppings go well with this cake?
Crushed pistachios, pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

🏁 Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves warm, spiced flavors and decadent, moist cake. With its rich sweetness from dark brown sugar, aromatic chai-inspired spices, and creamy frosting, it’s a cake that feels special yet comforting. It’s ideal for holidays, gatherings, birthdays, or simply as a way to treat yourself to something indulgent.

The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, with frosting, or even as cupcakes. It freezes well, stores beautifully, and never fails to impress guests with its rich flavor. Once you bake it, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen for years to come.

So, grab your spices, preheat the oven, and fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of chai. Your taste buds will thank you!