Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that wraps you up in cozy chai flavors with a rich, caramelized twist, look no further than this Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe. It’s a beautifully spiced cake that balances the warm notes of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves with the deep molasses sweetness of brown sugar, creating a moist and tender treat perfect for any season. Whether it’s a chilly afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this cake brings joy with every bite and is bound to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the aromatic chai spices that give it personality, to the brown sugar that infuses every crumb with rich flavor, and the buttermilk that keeps it moist and tender.
- All-purpose flour, 2 ½ cups: The foundation of the cake providing structure and balance.
- Chai spice blend, 1 tablespoon: A fragrant mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and allspice that delivers that signature chai warmth.
- Baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons: Helps the cake rise beautifully and remain light.
- Baking soda, ½ teaspoon: Works with the acidic buttermilk to give tenderness and lift.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened): Adds richness and a delicate crumb texture.
- Brown sugar, 1 ½ cups (packed): Brings deep caramel notes and moisture.
- Eggs, 3 large: Bind the ingredients together and add silkiness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: A subtle background flavor that complements the chai spices perfectly.
- Buttermilk, 1 cup: Keeps the cake tender and slightly tangy, balancing the sweetness.
How to Make Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or if you prefer round cakes, two 8-inch cake pans work beautifully. This step ensures your cake will come out cleanly and have a lovely crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, chai spice blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines all your leavening agents with the nourishing spices evenly so that every bite bursts with chai flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat your softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This process is key—it helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a cake with a tender and soft crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract. This step enhances the cake’s buttery richness and the depth of flavors in the chai spices.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the bowl, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently and just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can lead to a tough texture, so keep the batter soft and delicate.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the glaze.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of chai glaze, made by whisking powdered sugar with brewed chai tea and a pinch of cinnamon, brings a sweet-spiced shine and just the right touch of moisture to your Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe. For an extra special touch, sprinkle a bit of crushed pistachios or edible rose petals on top for visual appeal and a delicate crunch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, complementing those spices perfectly. For a more indulgent pairing, consider serving it alongside lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to provide a creamy contrast to the spice and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into generous squares or layer it with frosting or cream cheese icing to transform it into a stunning layered cake. You can also cut the cake into smaller bites and serve it as part of a dessert platter with nuts and dried fruits, perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and fresh for up to three days, making it a wonderful treat to indulge in over multiple days.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully if you want to make it ahead. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This brings out the beautiful aroma of the chai spices and softens the cake to perfection.
FAQs
Can I make my own chai spice blend for this cake?
Absolutely! Creating your own chai spice blend is easy and allows you to customize the flavor. Combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon each of cardamom and ginger, and ¼ teaspoon each of cloves and allspice for a balanced and fragrant mix perfect for this recipe.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?
Yes, a simple substitute is to add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This acidic mixture mimics the tanginess of buttermilk and will work perfectly in this Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
While white sugar can be used, the brown sugar is essential for the distinct deep caramel flavor and moist texture of this cake. If you substitute, the cake might be less rich and flavorful, so it’s best to stick with brown sugar.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven too often to keep the temperature stable for an even bake.
Can this cake be made into cupcakes?
Definitely! Just adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes and keep an eye on them. The flavor and texture remain just as delightful, making them perfect for parties or on-the-go treats.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about the spices and sweetness in the Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. It’s a cake that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just enjoying with your favorite cup of tea. Give it a try—once you experience that tender crumb and chai spices dancing with brown sugar richness, this cake will deserve a special spot in your baking repertoire.
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Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert infused with warm chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Sweetened with rich brown sugar and tenderized with buttermilk, this cake is perfect for cozy afternoons paired with tea or coffee. A optional chai glaze adds an extra touch of spice and sweetness, making it an irresistible treat for fall and beyond.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend (or a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and allspice)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Optional Chai Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons brewed chai tea or milk
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, chai spice blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender cake crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until the batter is combined to avoid overworking the gluten, ensuring a soft cake.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the glaze or slicing.
- Prepare the Chai Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with brewed chai tea or milk and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the chai glaze over the cooled cake. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing to serve.
Notes
- To create your own chai spice blend, mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon each cardamom and ginger, and ¼ teaspoon each cloves and allspice.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a great choice for gatherings or cozy afternoons.
- The cake stays moist for several days when stored properly in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
