Name: Brown Sugar Chai Cake
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: 390 g all-purpose flour; 320 g dark brown sugar; 15 g baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 2 teaspoons cardamom; 1 teaspoon ginger; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon cloves; 140 g unsalted butter (room temp); 100 g neutral oil; 283 g whole milk (room temp); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 227 g unsalted butter (room temp); 12 oz cream cheese (cold); 340 g powdered sugar (sifted)

Introduction to Brown Sugar Chai Cake

What makes brown sugar chai cake so delightful?

There’s something truly special about a brown sugar chai cake. This cake combines the comforting allure of chai spices with the rich sweetness of brown sugar, creating a flavor profile that's both warm and inviting. Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the fragrant aromas of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—now that’s the magic of this cake!

The use of dark brown sugar not only enhances the cake’s sweetness but also adds depth, creating a beautifully moist texture. Additionally, pairing it with a tangy cream cheese frosting offers a wonderful contrast, balancing the cake’s natural warmth. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging on a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to impress.

And let's not forget its versatility. It can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed casually with a cup of tea. It’s relatively simple to make, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Just think—your friends or family may never want to go back to regular cake after tasting this delightful creation.

For more information on spice blends, check out the Spice House, which offers a plethora of flavors to enrich this cake. Get ready to delight your taste buds!

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Making a delicious brown sugar chai cake starts with gathering the right ingredients. This cake brings together warm spices and sweet flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Here's what you'll need to bake this lovely creation:

All-Purpose Flour: 390 g (3 ¼ cups) – This is the base of our cake, giving it structure.
Dark Brown Sugar: 320 g (1 ½ cups) – Adds depth and a caramel-like flavor that's essential for this recipe.
Baking Powder: 15 g (1 tablespoon + ¾ tsp) – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances all the flavors.
Spices: You’ll need 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 2 teaspoons cardamom, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon cloves to achieve that signature chai taste.
Unsalted Butter: 140 g (10 tablespoons) at room temperature – Adds moisture and flavor.
Neutral Oil: 100 g (½ cup) – Ensures a tender crumb.
Whole Milk: 283 g (1 ¼ cups) at room temperature – Keeps the cake moist.
Eggs: 2 large at room temperature – Binds everything together.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon – A hint of sweetness to round things out.

These ingredients work wonders together, creating a cake that's not only moist but filled with spices that warm the heart. For a rich and creamy topping, you'll need cream cheese and powdered sugar on hand—essential for frosting that complements your brown sugar chai cake perfectly!

Preparing Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Baking a delicious brown sugar chai cake can transport you straight into a cozy café on a chilly autumn day. The warm spices blend beautifully with sweet brown sugar, and the process is as delightful as enjoying the finished product. Let’s walk through each step of creating this scrumptious treat!

Gather your ingredients

First things first: stocking up on the right ingredients will set you up for success. Here’s what you need for the cake:

390 g (3 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
320 g (1 ½ cups) dark brown sugar
15 g (1 tablespoon + ¾ tsp) baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
A blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves
140 g (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter (room temp)
100 g (½ cup) neutral oil
283 g (1 ¼ cups) whole milk (room temp)
2 eggs (room temp)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

And don’t forget the cream cheese frosting ingredients: butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar!

Preheat and prepare the pans

While you’re gathering ingredients, it’s the perfect time to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your brown sugar chai cake will bake evenly. Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you have cake strips, soak them in ice water to help the cakes rise evenly without doming.

Mix the dry ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and all those delightful spices. Mixing dry ingredients first ensures that spices like cinnamon and cardamom are evenly distributed throughout your cake.

Cream the butter and sugar

Next, cut your room-temperature butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Mix on low speed, watching as it transforms into a sandy texture. This is crucial for incorporating air, giving your cake the perfect fluffy texture.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Now, it’s time to introduce the wet ingredients: oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Pour them into the bowl and mix them gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; you want a tender cake, not a dense one!

Bake the cake layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and wrap those soaked cake strips around them. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the cream cheese frosting

As your cakes cool, whip up the cream cheese frosting. Beat the butter and cold cream cheese at high speed until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar for that perfect sweet, tangy frosting blend. Doing this on low speed helps avoid a sugary explosion—trust me on this!

Assemble the cake

When your layers are cool, it’s time for the fun part—assembly! Place one layer on your cake stand, add a layer of frosting, then carefully place the second layer on top. Finish with more frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and just like that, your brown sugar chai cake is ready to impress!

Now, gather your friends, serve a slice, and enjoy the warmth of good company!

Variations on Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Vegan Brown Sugar Chai Cake

If you're looking to make a vegan version of the brown sugar chai cake, simply substitute the eggs with flaxseeds or applesauce. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat, and replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. The end result will still be a moist, flavorful cake that maintains all those comforting spice notes we love.

Gluten-Free Brown Sugar Chai Cake

For those needing to stick to a gluten-free diet, swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many blends perform admirably in cakes, helping retain moisture and mimicking the texture of all-purpose flour. Just like the original, this gluten-free variant is sure to capture everyone's taste buds. For more tips on gluten-free baking, check out King Arthur Baking.

Baking notes for Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Baking this delicious brown sugar chai cake is a breeze, but a few tips will help ensure your cake turns out perfect every time!

Room Temperature Ingredients: To create a smooth batter, make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better and creates a fluffier cake.
Use Cake Strips: Soaking and using cake strips is a game-changer. They help your cakes bake evenly without doming, giving you perfectly flat layers ready for frosting.
Cool Completely: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before decorating. This simple step prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.

For more baking inspiration, check out The Kitchn and elevate your baking skills!

Serving Suggestions for Brown Sugar Chai Cake

When it comes to savoring your brown sugar chai cake, the serving options are as delightful as the cake itself! Consider pairing this cozy treat with a refreshing cup of chai tea or spiced coffee to enhance those warm spice notes.

For an elevated experience:

Add a scoop of vanilla or cardamom ice cream on the side for a creamy contrast.
Garnish the top with thinly sliced almonds or candied ginger for a bit of crunch and flair.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

This cake is perfect for gatherings, so don't hesitate to share the love with friends and family! For more inspiration, check out our guide on pairing desserts with drinks.

Tips for Making Perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Creating a stunning brown sugar chai cake doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here are some friendly tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time:

Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements. This is especially important for the flour and brown sugar, which can vary in weight.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure to use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk. This helps the batter mix evenly, creating that light and fluffy texture we all love.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes.
Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before decorating. This will prevent the frosting from melting and will create a beautiful finish.

By following these tips, you’ll elevate your baking game and impress your friends with your delicious brown sugar chai cake! For more baking tricks, check out King Arthur Baking or Sally's Baking Addiction.

Time Details for Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Preparation Time

Set aside about 1 hour to prepare your brown sugar chai cake. This includes gathering your ingredients, mixing the batter, and getting your cake pans ready. Don’t rush—enjoy the process!

Baking Time

Once the batter is prepared, the cakes need about 35-40 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them—check with a toothpick to make sure they're fully baked!

Total Time

All in all, you can expect the total time for the brown sugar chai cake to be around 1 hour and 35 minutes. Perfect for a delightful afternoon baking session!

Feeling inspired? Check out more on Baking Basics for tips on mastering your cake-making skills!

Nutritional Information for Brown Sugar Chai Cake

When indulging in a slice of brown sugar chai cake, it’s helpful to understand its nutritional profile. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Calories

Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, making it a satisfying treat without going overboard.

Protein

You'll find around 3 grams of protein per slice, which helps balance the sweetness!

Sodium

With about 160 mg of sodium per serving, it’s a relatively low-sodium dessert option that still delivers on flavor.

This cake not only delights your taste buds but can fit into various dietary considerations. For more detailed nutritional guidelines, check out resources from the USDA or NutritionData.

FAQs about Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The brown sugar chai cake can be made a day or two in advance. Once baked and cooled, wrap the individual layers in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing the layers. Just remember to let them thaw completely before frosting.

What can I substitute for dark brown sugar?

If you don’t have dark brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with light brown sugar; however, the flavor will be a little less robust. For a quick homemade alternative, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of molasses to achieve a similar taste and moisture.

How do I store leftovers of the cake?

To keep your brown sugar chai cake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you expect to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

For tips on storing cakes and preserving their flavor, check out resources like The Kitchn or BBC Good Food.

Conclusion on Brown Sugar Chai Cake

In summary, the brown sugar chai cake is perfect for any gathering, combining rich flavors with a cozy, festive spirit. It’s easy to bake and is sure to impress your guests. So, why not treat yourself and those you love to this delightful dessert? Happy baking!