Description
Chai cake blends the warmth of masala chai spices with a buttery vanilla base, offering a cozy and aromatic dessert that bridges Southern comfort and Indian tradition.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temp
2 eggs
½ cup whole milk or oat milk
2 tsp vanilla bean
1 tbsp masala chai spice mix
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9-inch round pan.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the vanilla bean and masala chai spice blend.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mix. Don’t overmix!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. (Optional) For a glaze: mix ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and a splash of vanilla or chai tea concentrate.
Notes
Use warm milk to better release spice aromas.
Adjust spice level based on your blend—some may be heavy on cloves or pepper.
Great with cream cheese frosting or maple glaze.
Add grated pear or orange zest for seasonal variation.
Top with candied ginger or toasted nuts for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chai cake, masala chai dessert, spiced cake, Indian-American fusion, fall baking