Chai Spiced Cake Cream Cheese

Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection

Indulge in the warm and inviting flavors of Chai Spiced Cake Cream Cheese, a delightful dessert that combines the rich spices of chai with a creamy frosting.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-24T21:50:28.648Z

This Chai Spiced Cake Cream Cheese is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. The combination of chai spices and a creamy cheese frosting makes it a perfect treat for tea time or family gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Warm, aromatic spices that awaken your senses
  • Creamy, tangy frosting perfectly complements the cake
  • Ideal for cozy gatherings or as a sweet everyday treat

The Essence of Chai Spices

Chai spices are a symphony of flavors that come together to create a warm and inviting experience. This cake captures the essence of traditional chai, infusing it into every bite. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves not only provides a delightful aroma but also delivers a comforting warmth that can brighten even the coldest of days. Each spice complements the others, creating a rich tapestry of flavor that is both invigorating and soothing.

Incorporating these spices into a cake allows you to enjoy the classic chai experience in a new form. Whether you're a chai enthusiast or just someone looking to try something new, this Chai Spiced Cake is sure to satisfy your cravings. The spiced cake acts as a perfect canvas for the creamy frosting, making each mouthful a delightful treat.

The Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

No cake is complete without frosting, and this cream cheese frosting takes the Chai Spiced Cake to the next level. The tangy cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Made with simple ingredients, this frosting is easy to whip up and spread, creating a luscious layer that hugs the cake.

To achieve the ideal consistency, you can adjust the amount of milk you add to the frosting. This flexibility allows you to create a frosting that’s just right for your taste—whether you prefer it thick and creamy or slightly softer for easier spreading. This frosting not only looks beautiful but also adds a delightful contrast to the spiced cake, making every slice irresistible.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Chai Spiced Cake Cream Cheese makes an excellent centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you're hosting a cozy tea party or celebrating a special occasion, this cake will impress your guests. Serve it with a steaming cup of chai or a rich cup of coffee to elevate the experience. The warm spices and creamy frosting create a delightful pairing that is sure to please.

For an added touch, consider garnishing the cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few whole spices on top. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also hints at the delicious flavors inside. Additionally, you can serve slices of the cake alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Chai Spiced Cake Cream Cheese:

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake and frost your Chai Spiced Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk if needed for consistency.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides.

Enjoy your delicious Chai Spiced Cake Cream Cheese!

Tips for Baking Success

When baking this Chai Spiced Cake, it's crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid packing it down, which can lead to a dense cake. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar, resulting in a lighter texture. Also, remember to rotate your cake pans halfway through baking for even cooking.

If you're short on time, you can prepare the cake layers a day ahead. Store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature, which allows the flavors to meld even more. Frost the cake just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.

Storing and Freezing

To store any leftover Chai Spiced Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, refrigeration is a good option, but it can dry out, so ensure it’s sealed tightly. You can also freeze the cake layers for up to three months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can frost it as desired and serve. This way, you can always have a piece of delightful Chai Spiced Cake ready for a sweet craving or unexpected guests!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can use buttercream or a simple glaze if you prefer.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of chai or coffee.

Chai Spiced Cake Cream Cheese

Indulge in the warm and inviting flavors of Chai Spiced Cake Cream Cheese, a delightful dessert that combines the rich spices of chai with a creamy frosting.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Dessert Lover’s Collection

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  7. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  10. 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  11. 3 large eggs
  12. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  13. 1 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 4 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Step 03

In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

Step 06

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 07

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 08

Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk if needed for consistency.

Step 09

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g