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Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Moist Brown Sugar Chai Cake with Creamy Spice Frosting

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake features comforting flavors of chai spices and is topped with a creamy frosting for the ultimate indulgence.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure and texture; measure accurately for best results.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise perfectly.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Works with acidic ingredients for a fluffy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon Infuses warmth and spice; swap with pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom Adds a unique flavor; feel free to adjust for intensity.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Provides a zesty kick; you can modify the quantity to your taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Offers warmth; using freshly grated enhances flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves Contributes depth to flavor; use sparingly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper A subtle addition that enhances overall spice; optional.
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Balances sweetness and supports structure.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Keeps the cake moist; can substitute with melted coconut oil.
  • 3 large Eggs Serve as binders and help the cake rise.
  • 1/2 cup Applesauce Adds moisture; can swap with sour cream in equal quantities.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Provides moisture; can use dairy-free alternatives.
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese The creamy base for frosting; start cold for easier whipping.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Enhances creaminess; should be at room temperature.
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Elevates flavor; can be omitted.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Adds spiced depth to frosting.

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together both sugars, oil, and eggs until smooth; fold in applesauce and milk.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. While the cake is baking, beat cold cream cheese and room temperature butter until smooth for the frosting.
  7. Gradually add brown sugar and powdered sugar, mixing well until incorporated, then add salt and vanilla.
  8. Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the pan and frost it generously with the spiced frosting.
  9. Slice and serve your Brown Sugar Chai Cake with a warm cup of chai tea.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftover cake at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap and freeze individual layers for up to 3 months.

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