As the crisp autumn air begins to weave its way into our kitchens, there’s an unmistakable craving for comforting treats, and this Moist Spiced Chai Cake is the answer. The enchanting combination of chai flavors—notably the warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom—creates a delightful experience with every bite. Soaked in sweet chai milk and finished with a dreamy brown butter cream cheese frosting, it’s moist like a tres leches cake yet uniquely its own. This recipe not only embraces the spirit of fall with its cozy flavors but also shines as a perfect centerpiece for your gatherings. Whether you’re serving it to family or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, the delightful texture and rich taste make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Ready to learn how to create this delicious chai cake that will leave everyone wanting more? Let’s dive in!

Why is this chai cake a must-try?

Irresistible flavors: The spiced chai blend envelops your senses with comforting warmth, making this cake a perfect autumn treat.

Moist and decadent: Soaked in sweet chai milk, this cake is exceptionally moist, evoking the rich pleasures of a tres leches dessert.

Simple preparation: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this delightful dessert effortlessly.

Versatile serving options: Whether enjoyed with coffee at brunch or served at festive gatherings, it caters to all occasions beautifully.

Heavenly frosting: The brown butter cream cheese frosting adds a nutty richness that complements the chai flavor like a dream.

Embrace the season with this amazing Moist Spiced Chai Cake that is sure to impress your guests!

Chai Cake Ingredients

• Get ready to bake this spiced delight!

For the Cake

Flour – Provides structure to the cake; measure accurately for best results.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and flavor; can omit for a milder taste.
Ground Ginger – Contributes spice and warmth; fresh ginger or ginger paste can be used instead.
Ground Allspice – Enhances the chai flavor profile; omit if unavailable.
Ground Nutmeg – Adds depth to the flavor; use less if preferred, as it can be potent.
Ground Cardamom – Integral to the chai flavor; cardamom pods can be crushed as a substitute.
Ground Cloves – Adds a warm spice note; can be omitted or replaced with more cinnamon.
Baking Powder – Leavening agent for rise; ensure freshness for best results.
Baking Soda – Works with buttermilk for leavening; keep as outlined for best outcome.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; essential for overall taste.
Unsalted Butter – Provides moisture and richness; use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake; consider reducing sugar to lower sweetness.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and an earthy flavor; can be replaced with additional granulated sugar.
Eggs – Acts as a binder and adds moisture; use flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan variant.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; avoid imitation extract for the best taste.
Buttermilk – Ensures moisture and flavor; mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice to make at home.

For the Chai Soak

Whole Milk – Used in the chai milk soak; almond or coconut milk can work as dairy-free alternatives.
Chai Teabags – Infuses chai flavor into the milk soak; a chai latte mix can be utilized as a shortcut.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – Sweetens and moistens the cake; can be replaced with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Prepare to assemble your ingredients for this incredible chai cake that encapsulates the spirit of autumn!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and line a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures that your Moist Spiced Chai Cake will come out easily and have a perfectly crisp edge.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This fragrant mix will enhance the chai flavors in your cake, so take a moment to enjoy the aroma. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream your softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The sugars should be fully incorporated, creating a pale and airy texture, which helps make your chai cake extra moist.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue to beat the mixture until it is smooth and fully blended. This step integrates important moisture and flavor into your chai cake batter, creating a rich base for the spices.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix in the buttermilk and your bowl of dry ingredients. Alternate adding the two, starting with a third of the flour mixture and followed by half the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; seeking a soft batter is essential for the fluffy texture of your chai cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the last few minutes of baking; it should spring back when lightly touched.

Step 7: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. After that, gently remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This process allows the chai cake to set, ensuring a tender final product.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake cools, make the brown butter cream cheese frosting. In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns golden brown; this takes about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool before whisking together with cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy.

Step 9: Create Chai Milk Soak
In a small saucepan, heat whole milk and steep the chai teabags for 10 minutes. After removing the teabags, stir in sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla extract. This luscious chai milk soak will add moisture and flavor to your cake, making it truly irresistible.

Step 10: Soak and Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, poke holes across the surface with a toothpick. Slowly pour the chai milk soak over the top, allowing it to absorb fully. Follow with a generous spread of the brown butter cream cheese frosting, ensuring every bite is decadent and flavorful.

Step 11: Final Touches and Serve
For an extra touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top of the frosted cake. Cut the chilled chai cake into 16 squares and serve. This Moist Spiced Chai Cake is perfect for sharing with loved ones, accompanying a warm cup of tea, and celebrating the flavors of autumn.

What to Serve with Moist Spiced Chai Cake?

Indulge in a complete autumn experience with delightful pairings that enhance this spiced treat’s warm flavors and moisture.

Warm Chai Latte: A cozy chai latte will seamlessly mirror the cake’s spices, creating a harmonious tea-time experience. The rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices make this pairing irresistible.
Spiced Apple Cider: For a fall-inspired beverage, serve spiced apple cider alongside your cake. Its earthy notes and sweetness will beautifully complement the chai flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the warm chai cake. Each scoop melts into the moist cake, creating a luscious mouthful.
Candied Pecans: Crunchy, sweet candied pecans bring a delightful texture and nutty flavor that enhance the cake’s richness. They make for a pleasing added crunch that guests will love.
Pumpkin Soup: A bowl of warm pumpkin soup makes for a comforting, savory starter. Its smoothness and gentle spices create a wonderful balance before diving into the sweet chai cake.
Autumn Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and feta provides a crisp contrast to the cake’s rich texture. The fruity and tangy elements brighten the meal beautifully.
Caramel Drizzle: Consider a sweet caramel drizzle over your chai cake for an extra layer of decadence. This adds a delightful burst of sweetness that will leave everyone craving more.
Nutty Coffee: A rich, nutty coffee pairs splendidly, enhancing the spice notes of your chai cake. It’s a perfect pick-me-up for those cozy afternoons.

Let your autumn gatherings shine with these delightful pairings that keep the warm flavors of chai cake at the forefront of every cozy moment!

How to Store and Freeze Chai Cake

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best flavor and moisture retention, place a piece of wax paper between the cake and the lid.

Freezer: Wrap the cooled chai cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating: To enjoy, simply slice and microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds until warmed through. This helps restore the moist texture of your delicious chai cake.

Frosting Storage: Store any leftover brown butter cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Re-whip before using to restore fluffiness.

Make Ahead Options

These Moist Spiced Chai Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cake and cool it completely up to 3 days in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Additionally, the brown butter cream cheese frosting can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—just re-whip before spreading to revive its fluffy texture. When you’re ready to serve, soak the cake with the chai milk soak (made fresh for best flavor) and frost it right before your gathering for that fresh, indulgent taste. With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy delicious chai cake with minimal effort on busy days!

Expert Tips for Chai Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to a dense chai cake.
Choose the Right Bakeware: Opt for a light-colored metal baking pan to encourage even cooking and prevent over-browning.
Chai Infusion Tip: Steep your chai teabags longer for an intensified flavor, enhancing that delicious chai cake taste.
Soaking Technique: Pour the chai milk soak slowly and patiently to allow for gradual absorption, ensuring every bite is moist without being soggy.
Cooling Properly: Allow the cake to cool completely before soaking and frosting; this helps maintain its texture and prevents melting the frosting.

Chai Cake Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic chai cake to suit your tastes!

Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a perfect texture.
Coffee Lover’s Delight: Change the chai milk soak to espresso for a bold, coffee-flavored twist that adds depth.
Nutty Frosting: Add a scoop of almond butter to your brown butter cream cheese frosting for a rich, nutty flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk and vegan butter for an entirely dairy-free version.
Cinnamon Swirl: Incorporate a cinnamon-sugar swirl into the batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor. Imagine each slice revealing beautiful ribbons of spice!
Extra Spice: Enhance the chai flavor by adding a pinch of black pepper or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that surprises your palate.
Ethereal Cream Cheese Frosting: Swapping cream cheese for mascarpone will give your frosting a luxurious and light texture—so creamy and delicious!
Coconut Flake Topping: Finish your cake with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist that harmonizes beautifully with the spices.

Feel inspired? You might also enjoy making a scrumptious Peach Cake Brown to satisfy your sweet tooth or try out these mouthwatering Fried Strawberry Cheesecake sandwiches for a unique treat!

Moist Spiced Chai Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best chai teabags for my chai cake?
Absolutely! When choosing chai teabags, look for blends that feature authentic ingredients such as cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. High-quality brands often have whole spices, enhancing the flavor. Brands like Tazo and Stash are popular for their rich blends, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even create your own mix using loose leaf chai spices!

What’s the best way to store my chai cake?
Very!

For best results, store your chai cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to place a piece of wax paper between the cake and the lid to keep it moist. If you’re looking to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for freezing—it’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months!

Can I freeze leftover chai cake? How?
Of course! First, allow the cake to cool completely. Then, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you’d like to warm a piece, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds—this helps revive its soft texture.

What are some common issues while baking chai cake?
One common issue is overmixing the batter, leading to a dense cake. To achieve that light and fluffy texture, mix just until the ingredients are combined. If you find the cake isn’t rising properly, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh—check the expiration dates! Lastly, if your cake is overly dry, remember that oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Are there any dietary concerns I should be aware of with this recipe?
Absolutely! For those with allergies, be mindful of gluten and dairy. You can make this chai cake gluten-free by using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking flour and substituting vegan butter for a dairy-free option. If you’re making this cake for someone with egg allergies, consider using flax eggs or applesauce as binders—each flax egg replacement consists of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, left to sit until it thickens.

Is it okay to reduce the sugar in my chai cake?
Yes, definitely! If you’re looking for a less sweet cake, you can reduce the granulated and brown sugar. Start by cutting down on the granulated sugar by about 25% and see how it impacts the cake since brown sugar provides moisture. Just ensure that the balance between wet and dry ingredients remains fairly consistent so that your cake maintains its delightful texture.