Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a rich, spiced dessert that brings together the deep warmth of brown sugar and the aromatic flavors of chai tea. This cake is perfect for cozy evenings, fall gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something comforting yet flavorful. With its blend of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, the cake evokes the familiar taste of a traditional chai latte, but in a delightful cake form.

This cake is moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chai spices. Whether you’re a fan of chai tea or just looking for a delicious dessert that’s a little different, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Topped with a simple glaze or enjoyed on its own, the Brown Sugar Chai Cake will fill your home with the comforting scent of warm spices and sweetness.

Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Chai Cake

• Warm, Spiced Flavor: With a perfect balance of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, this cake offers the warm, aromatic flavors of chai tea in every bite.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the addition of brown sugar and sour cream, the cake is incredibly moist, soft, and tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this cake comes together quickly and is accessible to bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special holiday, hosting a get-together, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon, Brown Sugar Chai Cake is the perfect dessert for any time of year.
• Versatile: You can enjoy it on its own, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, or even drizzled with a sweet glaze to enhance its flavors.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 slices
• Calories per Serving: Around 280-320 calories per slice, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280-320 kcal
• Fat: 12-14g
• Carbohydrates: 38-42g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 25-28g

Ingredients

For the Brown Sugar Chai Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• ½ cup milk
• Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for added texture and flavor)

For the Chai Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or chai tea for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Special Equipment

While Brown Sugar Chai Cake doesn’t require any specialized tools, the following equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. 9×9-inch Square Baking Pan: This square pan is ideal for baking the cake, but you can also use an 8-inch round cake pan. Be sure to grease the pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Mixing Bowls: A couple of mixing bowls are necessary—one for combining dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients. You’ll also need a smaller bowl to mix the spices together.
3. Electric Mixer or Whisk: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes the process easier, especially for creaming the butter and brown sugar. It helps incorporate air into the batter for a light and tender cake.
4. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key to success in baking, so make sure you have a reliable set of measuring spoons and cups.
5. Spatula: A rubber spatula is essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and for gently folding the ingredients together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal. This helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures it bakes evenly.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom, and ground cloves. These spices will provide the chai flavor, while the baking powder and soda ensure that the cake rises properly. Set this bowl aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a tender, moist cake.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the cake.

5. Incorporate the Sour Cream and Milk

Next, add the sour cream (or plain yogurt) and milk to the wet ingredients. Mix until smooth. The sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, while the milk helps achieve the right consistency in the batter.

6. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three batches, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined—it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.

7. Fold in Optional Nuts (if using)

If you’re adding nuts to the cake, fold them in gently using a spatula. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and additional flavor to complement the warm spices of the cake.

8. Pour the Batter into the Pan

Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly in the pan and smooth the top. This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t have an uneven rise.

9. Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the cake begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.

10. Cool the Cake

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling on the rack allows air to circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy.

11. Prepare the Chai Glaze (optional)

While the cake cools, prepare the chai glaze (if using). In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or chai tea for extra flavor), ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if necessary.

12. Drizzle the Glaze Over the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the chai glaze over the top of the cake. You can use a spoon or a small whisk to drizzle the glaze in a decorative pattern. Allow the glaze to set before slicing the cake.

13. Slice and Serve

Cut the cake into 12 even slices and serve. This cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a cup of chai tea or coffee for a perfect pairing.

Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps them combine more easily and creates a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake.
• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
• Customize the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices in the cake to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger chai flavor, add an extra pinch of cinnamon or cardamom.

Variations of Brown Sugar Chai Cake

• Chai Latte Brown Sugar Cake: For a stronger chai flavor, add 2-3 tablespoons of brewed chai tea to the batter in place of some of the milk. This adds a more intense chai flavor to the cake.
• Vegan Brown Sugar Chai Cake: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer. Use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and dairy-free sour cream for a vegan version.
• Chai Spice Cupcakes: Instead of baking a full cake, use the same batter to make chai spice cupcakes. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cinnamon Swirl Chai Cake: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl through the middle of the cake batter before baking for a fun twist on the classic flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Brown Sugar Chai Cake can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To keep the cake fresh, store it in a container that allows it to breathe slightly, which prevents the glaze from becoming too sticky. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours or heat it in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Pair this spiced cake with complementary treats and beverages:

• Chai Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of chai tea or a strong coffee pairs wonderfully with the flavors of this cake. The spices in the cake enhance the warm, aromatic flavors of the beverages.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert combination.
• Whipped Cream or Mascarpone: For a richer dessert, top each slice of cake with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese.

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Conclusion

Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a beautifully spiced, moist dessert that brings the comforting flavors of chai into cake form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy treat at home, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its deep brown sugar sweetness and the aromatic chai spices, it’s a perfect dessert for cooler months, but it can be enjoyed year-round. Try it with a chai tea latte for the ultimate flavor experience!