Brown Sugar Chai Cake

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines warm spices and sweet flavors, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. With its moist layers and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or simply to indulge yourself. The unique blend of spices not only offers a cozy aroma but also brings a comforting taste that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger creates a warm and inviting taste that feels like a hug in cake form.
• Impressive Presentation: Two tall layers of beautifully frosted cake ensure it will be the center of attention on any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Feed a Crowd: With 20 servings, it’s great for parties and family gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a slice.
• Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday celebration, or potluck, this cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Brown Sugar Chai Cake efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your baking process while ensuring consistent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool takes the hard work out of mixing ingredients smoothly and evenly, ensuring fluffy cake layers.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking; these will help you get the ratios just right for the best flavor.
• Cooling rack: Allowing your cakes to cool properly prevents sogginess and helps maintain their structure before frosting.

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Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 390 g all-purpose flour
• 320 g dark brown sugar
• 15 g baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp cardamom
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cloves
• 140 g unsalted butter (room temp)
• 100 g neutral oil
• 283 g whole milk (room temp)
• 2 eggs (room temp)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 227 g unsalted butter (room temp)
• 12 oz cream cheese (cold)
• 340 g powdered sugar (sifted)

How to Make Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and neutral oil until creamy. Gradually add in the brown sugar mixture. Then mix in the whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter and cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in sifted powdered sugar until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting over it. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides as desired.

Enjoy your deliciously spiced Brown Sugar Chai Cake!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Serving your Brown Sugar Chai Cake can elevate the experience and delight your guests. Here are some creative suggestions to make your cake shine.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair your cake with a warm cup of chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Consider herbal teas or green tea for a refreshing contrast.

Festive Platter

• Create a dessert platter by adding fresh fruits like berries and slices of citrus.
• Include some nuts for crunch and variety.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
• Infuse the cream with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the cake’s flavors.

Ice Cream Delight

• Serve slices alongside scoops of vanilla or caramel ice cream for indulgence.
• A drizzle of caramel sauce can add an extra layer of sweetness.

How to Perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Perfecting your Brown Sugar Chai Cake ensures it’s always a hit. Follow these tips to achieve the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier texture.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and other dry ingredients together reduces lumps and helps incorporate air, leading to a lighter cake.

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with flour and sugar, to maintain consistency in texture.

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake layers cool completely before applying frosting; this prevents melting and sliding.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Enhancing your Brown Sugar Chai Cake with side dishes can create a delightful meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or aged cheddar, pairs well with the spices in the cake.

3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy contrast and enhance the warm flavors of chai.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy complement that contrasts nicely with the cake’s texture.

5. Savory Scones: Lightly flavored scones can be an interesting savory contrast, creating a balanced dessert table.

6. Herbal Infused Water: Offer infused water with mint or cucumber as a refreshing drink option that cleanses the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Brown Sugar Chai Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture. Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a tough cake. Combine until just mixed for light and fluffy results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can dry out your cake.
• Ignoring the baking time: Keep an eye on the cake as baking times may vary. Use a toothpick to check for doneness instead of relying solely on time.
• Skipping the cooling process: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a neat finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Brown Sugar Chai Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Brown Sugar Chai Cake

• Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Sugar Chai Cake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry it out.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Chai Cake.

Can I use other types of sugar in Brown Sugar Chai Cake?

You can experiment with different sugars, but using brown sugar adds depth and moisture that granulated sugar may lack.

How do I customize my Brown Sugar Chai Cake?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips for variety. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring it has a good binding agent.

What can I serve with Brown Sugar Chai Cake?

This cake pairs well with tea or coffee, enhancing its cozy flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a delightful addition!

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Chai Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its warm spices and creamy frosting create a comforting dessert that will impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients!