Chai Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
This chai cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting is packed with warm spices, making it the perfect cozy layer cake for Fall gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 Electric hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment
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Ingredients
Chai Cake
- 114 grams unsalted butter room temperature
- 114 grams oil vegetable or canola oil
- 300 grams granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 260 grams buttermilk room temperature
- 300 grams all purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cardamom
- 2 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 227 grams full-fat cream cheese room temperature
- 114 grams unsalted butter room temperature
- 480 grams powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Chai Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Line 2 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and oil on medium speed until combined. A few lumps are ok.114 grams unsalted butter, 114 grams oil
- Add sugar and cream everything together for 3-5 minutes on medium-high speed until fluffy and pearly white.300 grams granulated sugar
- Mix in the eggs on low speed one at a time, then add the vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then stream in the buttermilk on medium speed until combined.3 large eggs, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 260 grams buttermilk
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices on low speed. Stop the mixer when there are a few streaks of flour remaining and gently fold with a rubber spatula until they disappear.300 grams all purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon cardamom, 2 teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Evenly distribute the cake batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Carefully remove the cakes from the oven and let cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Flip on a wire rack and let cool completely.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Add softened cream cheese and butter to the bowl of a stand mixer or electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until creamy.114 grams unsalted butter, 227 grams full-fat cream cheese
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually mix in powdered sugar on low speed 1 cup at a time. Add the vanilla and cinnamon, mixing on medium speed until fluffy.480 grams powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Assembly
- Level off the tops if needed with a serrated knife. Spread a teaspoon of frosting on the center of your cake board or stand, then place a cake layer on it.
- Spread about 1 cup of frosting on top into an even layer.
- Add the second cake layer on top upside down with the flat side facing up. Apply a thin coat of frosting (or crumb coat) all over the top and sides of the cake.
- Chill the cake in the fridge for 20 minutes or until the frosting is dry to the touch. Then add a thick final layer of frosting.
- Dust the cake with cinnamon and garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Storage- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use a cake carrier for the whole cake or store individual slices in a large zip-top bag.
Freezing the whole cake- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Place in a large freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing cake slices- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Unwrap and thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sliceCalories: 572.4kcalCarbohydrates: 75.2gProtein: 5.2gFat: 28.8gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10.5gTrans Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 88.5mgSodium: 246.1mgPotassium: 101.5mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 56.7gVitamin A: 708.5IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 100.6mgIron: 1.5mg
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