There’s something so special about baking a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Brown Sugar Chai Cake—a moist, flavorful, and aromatic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or just want to treat yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s dive in and explore how to make this delicious spiced dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger gives this cake a unique and comforting flavor profile.
The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a rich, moist texture that’s hard to resist.
It’s a versatile dessert that works beautifully as a centerpiece for your holiday table or as a simple treat any time of the year.
The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for both novice and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

To make this Brown Sugar Chai Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious Brown Sugar Chai Cake. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend will give your cake that signature chai flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the spice blend and mix well to incorporate.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsalted butter, neutral oil, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and well combined.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Chai Cake turns out perfectly every time:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures that your batter mixes smoothly and evenly, resulting in a tender crumb.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Adjust the Spice Blend: If you prefer a stronger or milder spice flavor, you can adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
Let the Cake Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to frost the cake while it’s still warm. Letting it cool ensures that the frosting sets properly and the cake holds together beautifully.

How to Serve

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

As a Dessert: Slice the cake and serve it on its own. The rich flavors of the chai spices make it a perfect ending to any meal.
With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The warm spices in the cake pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
With Fresh Fruit: Top the cake with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples, for a lighter and refreshing contrast to the rich cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re planning ahead, you can bake the cake layers and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the frosting to come to room temperature before using it.

There you have it—everything you need to make the perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this spiced dessert. Happy baking!