Picture the comforting aroma of chai spices wafting through your kitchen as you bake a Chai Latte Cake, its warm and cozy scent wrapping you in a hug.
This simple yet indulgent dessert is a breeze to make, perfect for any cozy afternoon or special occasion.
Watch as the batter transforms into a moist, flavorful cake, each bite a delightful blend of spices and sweetness.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 9-inch round cake pan
- 1 Oven
- 1 Measuring cup set
- 1 Measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brewed chai tea, cooled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making the Chai Latte Cake, you can create a timeline based on the provided prep, cook, and resting times. Here are the steps and time allocations:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to understand the steps and gather all the ingredients and tools needed.
- Prep Work (15 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the 9-inch round cake pan.
- Measure and prepare all ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, buttermilk, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, and brewed chai tea.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.
- Mixing and Batter Preparation (15 minutes):
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating between them.
- Add brewed chai tea and mix until batter is smooth.
- Baking (30 minutes):
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Use this time to clean up any prep mess or prepare any additional items like chai latte or vanilla ice cream for serving.
- Cooling and Resting (15 minutes):
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Final Touches and Serving (5 minutes):
- Confirm the cake is completely cooled before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Serve with a chai latte or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pan.
In the mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spice blend.
In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix in the brewed chai tea until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices of the chai cake beautifully.
- Chai Latte: Serve with a freshly brewed chai latte to enhance the cake’s flavors and create a cohesive chai experience.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence and creaminess.
- Fresh Berries: Accompany with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a tart contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the cake adds a rich, sweet finish and extra moisture.
Storage
Store the chai latte cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Alternatively, freeze the cake for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze Chai Latte Cake, allow it to cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To reheat Chai Latte Cake, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds on medium power for best results.
Final Thoughts
Chai Latte Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warm spices of chai with a soft, fluffy cake.
It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a treat for yourself.
The preparation is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment beyond the basics.
With a total time of just over an hour, you can have a delicious homemade cake ready to enjoy.
For the best flavor, verify all your ingredients are at room temperature.
This will help create a smooth batter and guarantee the cake bakes evenly.
If you’re a fan of bold chai flavors, feel free to add a bit more chai spice blend or use a stronger brewed chai tea.
This cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a chai latte or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Dusting with powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and enhances its visual appeal.
Enjoy this Chai Latte Cake as a comforting and aromatic dessert option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour for This Recipe?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free option. Adjust liquid ratios, as these flours absorb differently. Make certain you mix thoroughly for even texture and maintain the cake’s structural integrity.
Is There a Vegan Version of This Chai Latte Cake?
You can make a vegan version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, using plant-based butter, and replacing eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Swap buttermilk for almond milk mixed with lemon juice for acidity.
How Can I Make My Own Chai Spice Blend at Home?
To make your own chai spice blend, combine ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Adjust proportions to taste, typically using more cinnamon. Store in an airtight container. This blend enhances desserts and beverages beautifully.
What Are Some Alternative Toppings Instead of Powdered Sugar?
You can top your cake with a cream cheese frosting for richness, a light glaze for sweetness, or a spiced whipped cream for a fluffy touch. Each topping adds a unique flavor and texture to your cake.
Can This Recipe Be Made Into Cupcakes Instead of a Cake?
You can definitely transform this recipe into cupcakes. Just divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake tins and reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes. Verify each cupcake is baked through by using a toothpick test.
Chai Latte Cake
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 9-inch round cake pan
- 1 Oven
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brewed chai tea cooled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pan.
- In the mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spice blend.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Mix in the brewed chai tea until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
