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Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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This Chai Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, warmly spiced dessert inspired by the flavors of a chai latte. With a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 8 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat until creamy.
  9. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, dust with cinnamon for decoration.

Notes

  • Use buttermilk for extra moisture and tanginess.
  • Lightly toast spices for deeper flavor before adding to the batter.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based milk and vegan butter/cream cheese.
  • Make cupcakes instead of a full cake for easier serving.
  • Add orange zest or use maple glaze for variations.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/chai-spice-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/