How to Make the Perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake

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There’s something truly special about baking a cake that fills your home with warmth and comfort. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for the perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the warmth of chai spices with the richness of brown sugar. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just because, this cake is sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and flavorful, with the perfect balance of sweet and spice
  • Easy to make, even for beginners
  • Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion
  • Can be made ahead and stored for up to 5 days
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings or frosting

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Brown Sugar Chai Cake:

  • 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 make this delicious Brown Sugar Chai Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the spice blend by mixing together the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves in a small bowl. This will give your cake that signature chai flavor.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Add the spices to the dry ingredients and whisk to incorporate.
  5. Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix the unsalted butter, neutral oil, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Make the frosting by beating the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and smooth.
  10. Assemble the cake by spreading a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then placing the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the 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:

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best results. This ensures the batter mixes smoothly and evenly.
  • Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
  • Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a stronger chai flavor, you can increase the amount of spices.
  • Make ahead by baking the cake layers a day in advance and storing them in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to Serve

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is delicious on its own, but you can also get creative with how you serve it:

  • Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant look.
  • Top with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples, for a pop of color and extra flavor.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet and indulgent treat.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this cake is how well it keeps:

  • Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before frosting and serving.
  • Refrigerate the frosted cake for up to 7 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

And there you have it—my recipe for the perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is sure to impress. Don’t forget to check out my other recipes, like the Chai Cake and Pineapple Carrot Cake, for more delicious dessert ideas. Happy baking!

Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Aromatic and moist brown sugar chai cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for dessert lovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 3200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
  • 140 g unsalted butter (room temp)
  • 100 g neutral oil
  • 283 g whole milk (room temp)
  • 2 eggs eggs (room temp)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
  • 227 g unsalted butter (room temp)
  • 12 oz cream cheese (cold)
  • 340 g powdered sugar (sifted)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
  3. Cream together butter, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combine with dry ingredients until smooth.
  4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

For best results, sift flour and spices before mixing for even distribution.