Description
Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of this Spiced Brown Sugar Chai Layer Cake. Layers of moist chai-infused cake are filled and frosted with a decadent brown sugar chai buttercream, creating a delightful dessert perfect for fall gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup strong chai tea (brewed and cooled)
For the Brown Sugar Chai Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp brewed chai tea (cooled)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix milk and cooled chai tea together in a measuring cup.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk/tea mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- Cream butter and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating well.
- Add brewed chai, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Beat until light and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with a dusting of cinnamon or crushed chai spices if desired.
Notes
- For stronger chai flavor, steep 2 tea bags in 1/2 cup hot water and let it cool completely.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a warm mug of chai latte or coffee.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
