Description
A flavorful chai spice cake topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chai spice mix
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon chai spice mix (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chai Spice Mix: In a small bowl, stir together all the ground spices. This fragrant blend is the soul of your cake. Keep a little extra to sprinkle on top of the frosting later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 tablespoon of the chai spice mix. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Slowly add in the oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix — the batter should be thick but pourable.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into two greased and parchment-lined 8-inch cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and a bit of chai spice, if using.
- Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then add the second cake layer. Finish with a smooth coat of frosting over the entire cake. Dust with a pinch of chai spice or cinnamon for a rustic finish.
Notes
- Keep some extra chai spice mix to sprinkle on top for garnish.
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg