Description
This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a delightful blend of warm spices and rich brown sugar, creating a moist and flavorful cake perfect for any occasion. Infused with cinnamon and cardamom, this cake is topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that complements the chai spices beautifully, making it an irresistible treat for spice lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 390 g all-purpose flour
- 320 g dark brown sugar
- 15 g baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp cardamom
- 140 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 283 g whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 227 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 12 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 240 g powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, and cardamom to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, which creates the base for a tender cake.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending well until fully combined.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to maintain the cake’s lightness.
- Bake the cake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble and frost: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the first layer, place the second layer on top, and spread the remaining frosting on top and sides of the cake evenly.
Notes
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
- Check cake doneness with a toothpick to prevent overbaking.
- The frosting can be adjusted for sweetness by modifying the amount of powdered sugar.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai or black tea.
