Chai Cake

prep time:

10 min

cook time:

45 min

total time:

1 hr 30 min

5 from 1 reviews

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Sometimes I really want cake, but I’m too tired to deal with layers, shaping, decorating, and all the extra steps. I just want a simple, comforting cake that feels like a hug. That’s exactly what this chai cake is. It’s a true tea cake, literally made with tea, and honestly I think of it as an Indian-inspired tres leches.

The batter is unbelievably easy. Everything goes into one bowl because, let’s be real, no one wants more dishes. I start with the wet ingredients, add the dry on top, fold until combined, and that’s it. While it bakes, we make a quick frosting and a warm chai soak. The chai milk gets poured all over the cake so it stays extra moist, flavorful, and lasts longer. Then it’s all finished with a thick layer of frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that cozy touch.

It’s tea and cake in one bite- warm, spiced, soft, and comforting. If you’re craving an easy chai cake recipe that brings major cozy vibes with minimal effort, this is the one.

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 300 gr all-purpose flour
  • 250 ml buttermilk
  • 200 gr white sugar
  • 150 gr butter, softened
  • 110 gr brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 10 gr ground cinnamon
  • 5 gr vanilla paste
  • 5 gr ground ginger
  • 5 gr baking powder
  • 5 gr salt
  • 3 gr ground cardamom
  • 2 gr baking soda
  • 1 gr ground allspice
  • 1 gr ground nutmeg
  • Cinnamon powder (for decoration)

Ingredients

For the frosting:

  • 250 gr butter
  • 240 gr powdered sugar
  • 230 gr cream cheese

Ingredients

For the tea soak:

  • 200 gr whole milk
  • 1 chai teabag
  • 20 gr honey

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 300 gr all-purpose flour
  • 250 ml buttermilk
  • 200 gr white sugar
  • 150 gr butter, softened
  • 110 gr brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 10 gr ground cinnamon
  • 5 gr vanilla paste
  • 5 gr ground ginger
  • 5 gr baking powder
  • 5 gr salt
  • 3 gr ground cardamom
  • 2 gr baking soda
  • 1 gr ground allspice
  • 1 gr ground nutmeg
  • Cinnamon powder (for decoration)

Ingredients

For the frosting:

  • 250 gr butter
  • 240 gr powdered sugar
  • 230 gr cream cheese

Ingredients

For the tea soak:

  • 200 gr whole milk
  • 1 chai teabag
  • 20 gr honey

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 300 gr all-purpose flour
  • 250 ml buttermilk
  • 200 gr white sugar
  • 150 gr butter, softened
  • 110 gr brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 10 gr ground cinnamon
  • 5 gr vanilla paste
  • 5 gr ground ginger
  • 5 gr baking powder
  • 5 gr salt
  • 3 gr ground cardamom
  • 2 gr baking soda
  • 1 gr ground allspice
  • 1 gr ground nutmeg
  • Cinnamon powder (for decoration)

Ingredients

For the frosting:

  • 250 gr butter
  • 240 gr powdered sugar
  • 230 gr cream cheese

Ingredients

For the tea soak:

  • 200 gr whole milk
  • 1 chai teabag
  • 20 gr honey
Equipment

9×9 baking pan

Lets Start Cooking!

step 1

Heat your oven to 350°F or 175°C and line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper.

step 2

In a large bowl, add the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar, and whisk with a hand mixer for 2 minutes until light and smooth.

step 3

Add in the eggs (one at a time) and vanilla, and whisk until smooth and pale.

step 4

Add the dry ingredients into the wet and fold until the batter is smooth.

step 5

Pour into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Cool 30 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.

step 6

While it cools, make the frosting: add the butter and cream cheese to a bowl and whip until smooth using a hand mixer. Add the powdered sugar and fold until smooth.

step 7

For the tea soak: bring the milk and honey to a simmer. Add the chai teabag and remove from the heat. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then remove the teabag and cool to room temperature.

step 8

When the cake is fully cool, poke lots of holes and slowly pour the chai milk, soak all over using a spoon.

step 9

Add a thick layer of frosting on the cake, spread evenly, sprinkle cinnamon, slice into 16 squares, and you’re good.

step 10

YASSS!

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Need a little more direction?

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