Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely love how this Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings all those warm, cozy spice flavors into a moist, tender cake that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whenever I bake this, it fills the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger that instantly makes me feel right at home. If you’re anything like me, this cake is a great pick for gatherings, celebrations, or just whenever you want to treat yourself to something a little special.

You’ll find that this chai cake is not just flavorful but also surprisingly easy to pull together even if you’re busy or a little new to baking. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a silky, spiced sweetness that perfectly balances the spices in the cake itself. I discovered this trick when I was trying to make a frosting that complements rather than hides the chai spices — and it really brings the whole cake to life!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe work together to create that perfect harmony between spice and sweetness. I always recommend using fresh spices for the chai blend to really get those vibrant flavors.

• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter helps with better mixing and a creamier frosting.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Adds moisture without overpowering the spices.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender crumb.
• Large eggs: At room temperature to improve blending and cake structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm chai spice flavors without stealing the show.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and results in an incredibly moist texture.
• All-purpose flour: The base to provide structure while allowing the spices to shine.
• Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly fluffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and spices.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the chai spice mix and frosting.
• Cardamom: Gives an aromatic citrusy note essential to chai spice.
• Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a slight zing.
• Ground nutmeg: Brings earthiness and depth.
• Allspice: Amplifies the overall spice warmth.
• Ground cloves: A little goes a long way to enrich flavor complexity.
• Ground black pepper: My secret ingredient for a subtle kick that balances sweetness.
• Full-fat cream cheese: The base of the frosting delivering creaminess and tang.
• Powdered sugar: For a silky smooth frosting texture and sweetness.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or who I’m baking for. This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is really flexible, so don’t hesitate to experiment with spice levels or ingredients to suit your taste.

• Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum, and it was a hit among friends sensitive to gluten.
• Honey Instead of Sugar: Replacing some sugar with honey gives a subtle floral note; just reduce the liquid slightly.
• Vegan Adaptation: Try using a flax egg in place of eggs and a plant-based cream cheese for frosting—you’ll be amazed how close it gets!
• Extra Spice Kick: For those who love bolder flavors, I sometimes add a bit more black pepper and ginger to deepen the chai spice profile.

How to Make Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This keeps your cakes from sticking and makes removal a breeze. Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature, as this helps everything blend smoothly and gives you a better cake texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

In your mixer bowl, combine the butter and oil and beat on medium speed until they start to come together; don’t worry if a few lumps remain, especially with the butter. Then add the granulated sugar and beat for 3-5 minutes on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, like a pearls’ luster. This step is key for a light cake texture, so be patient here.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next—this ensures even distribution and prevents curdling. Then pour in your vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure no ingredients get left behind.

Step 4: Mix in Buttermilk

Stream in the buttermilk slowly on medium speed. This not only moistens the batter but balances the warmth of those chai spices perfectly. The batter should look smooth but slightly loose—don’t overmix or your cake might turn dense.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Spices

Combine your flour, baking powder, salt, and all the chai spices in a separate bowl. Add this to the wet mixture on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as you see streaks of flour left, then gently fold the rest in with a spatula. This technique keeps your cake tender and light.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Done

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25-35 minutes. I recommend checking the cake at 25 minutes with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Overbaking dries the cake out, so keep an eye on it towards the end.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool, make the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, then add powdered sugar gradually on low speed to avoid a mess. Finally, mix in vanilla and cinnamon until fluffy and irresistibly spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

If your cakes have domed tops, level them using a serrated knife for even layering. Start by spreading a teaspoon of frosting on your cake board to anchor the first layer. Spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly on top, then place the second cake upside down (flat side up). Apply a thin crumb coat all over and chill for 20 minutes to set before finishing with a thick, final layer of frosting.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Dust the final cake with cinnamon and decorate with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a stunning, fragrant presentation. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up with that first bite!

How to Serve Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting the cake lightly with cinnamon and placing a few cinnamon sticks and star anise on top—it looks stunning and adds an extra aromatic touch that invites you to dig in. You can also sprinkle chopped pistachios or edible flower petals for a colorful twist.

Side Dishes

This chai cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a brunch, serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake into cupcakes with swirls of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top. Another favorite is serving cake slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a lovely contrast of textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing the leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The frosting stays nice and firm, and the cake actually tastes even better after a day or two as the chai spices continue to develop.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cake, slice it first and freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This lets you thaw just how much you need. The cream cheese frosting can get a bit softer but still tastes great once thawed slowly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, I like to warm a slice gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until the frosting softens slightly. Just don’t overheat or the frosting might separate. Pair with warm chai or coffee for the ultimate cozy snack.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s like a little celebration of all those warm spices I grew up loving. It’s approachable, comforting, and always impresses guests and family alike. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every spiced, creamy bite like I do—it’s an absolute treat that’s well worth the time in the kitchen.

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