Are you dreaming of cozy evenings and comforting treats? Then look no further! This Chai Latte Cake recipe is the perfect blend of warm spices and sweet indulgence, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth and warming you from the inside out. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and makes a delicious dessert or even a delightful afternoon treat. It's a wonderfully adaptable recipe, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) strong brewed chai tea, cooled
For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed chai tea
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake layers release easily and prevents sticking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Combining these dry ingredients beforehand ensures even distribution in the batter.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled chai tea, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Delicious Chai Cream Cheese Frosting:
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Beat Butter & Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
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Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and chai tea. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of the chai cream cheese frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. You can get creative with your frosting techniques!
Tips for Baking Success:
- Use freshly brewed chai tea for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake.
- Use different spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to customize the flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 400-450 (depending on frosting amount) Fat: Around 20-25g Sugar: Around 50-60g
Enjoy your delicious and easy Chai Latte Cake! This quick dinner dessert or afternoon treat is sure to be a hit with family and friends. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes achievable even with easy recipes.