Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe

The Brown Sugar Chai Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines the deep sweetness of brown sugar with the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea. With a tender crumb and a rich, spiced flavor profile, this cake is perfect for cozy occasions, whether it’s a comforting fall treat or a special dessert for a holiday gathering. The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves creates a cake that’s wonderfully fragrant and flavorful. Topped with a light glaze or served plain, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Warm and Cozy Flavor: The chai spices bring a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings.
2. Moist and Tender: Thanks to the addition of brown sugar, this cake is incredibly moist, with a slight caramel-like sweetness that melts in your mouth.
3. Perfect for Special Occasions: This cake is a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, aromatic dessert.
4. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this cake is a breeze to prepare, making it a go-to recipe even for beginner bakers.
5. Versatile Topping Options: You can top the cake with a simple glaze, whipped cream, or even serve it plain – the flavor shines through no matter how you choose to dress it up.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added)
• 1/4 cup brewed chai tea (cooled)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons brewed chai tea (cooled)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

• Chai Spice Mix: If you have chai spice blend on hand, you can substitute it for the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg for a more convenient option.
• Add-ins: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for some added crunch and texture.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with plant-based butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version of this cake.
• Citrus Twist: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a fresh citrusy flavor that complements the chai spices.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 5: Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk and brewed chai tea. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed chai tea, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more chai tea if needed to make it pourable.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results. This ensures the batter mixes evenly and results in a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as it can result in a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness: To avoid overbaking, start checking the cake at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.
• Let the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting and becoming too runny.

How to Serve

• With Tea: The warm, aromatic flavors of chai in the cake make it the perfect pairing with a cup of tea. Serve this cake as an afternoon treat or dessert.
• For Special Occasions: Serve the cake at holiday dinners, birthday parties, or any festive occasion where you want to impress your guests with something unique and flavorful.
• With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream on top for a decadent dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The cake will remain moist thanks to the brown sugar and buttermilk.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular tea instead of chai tea?

While chai tea is ideal for the authentic flavor, you can substitute it with regular black tea or even decaffeinated tea if you prefer. The cake won’t have the same spice profile, but it will still be delicious.

2. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This will mimic the acidity and help the cake rise.

3. Can I use brown sugar in the glaze?

Yes, you can use brown sugar in the glaze for a richer, caramel flavor. Just melt the brown sugar with chai tea and powdered sugar to create the glaze.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake keeps well for a few days. You can make it a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container. The flavors will meld even more over time.

5. Can I add nuts to this cake?

Yes, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

6. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

You can use an 8-inch round or square pan instead of a 9-inch, but adjust the baking time. The cake may need more or less time to bake depending on the pan size.

7. Is there an alternative to the glaze?

If you prefer not to glaze the cake, you can simply dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter finish, or serve it without any topping at all.

8. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) for a vegan version.

9. How can I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, as overmixing can result in a dense cake. Also, be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning and leveling it to avoid adding too much.

10. Can I make this cake into cupcakes?

Yes, you can bake this cake as cupcakes. Just fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Conclusion

The Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warm spices of chai with the rich sweetness of brown sugar. Its moist texture and aromatic flavor make it perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Whether you serve it with a chai tea glaze or enjoy it plain, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy it with a cup of tea for the ultimate cozy experience!

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