Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe

This cake combines the comforting flavors of chai spices with the deep sweetness of brown sugar.

Perfectly soft and moist layers that practically melt in your mouth
Warm spice profile ideal for autumn and winter gatherings
Cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang
Great for holidays, celebrations, or a cozy weekend baking project

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brown sugar chai cake:
390 g (3 ¼ cups) all‑purpose flour
320 g (1 ½ cups) dark brown sugar
15 g (1 tbsp + ¾ tsp) 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 (10 tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature
100 g (½ cup) neutral oil
283 g (1 ¼ cups) whole milk, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting:
227 g (16 tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature
12 oz (1 ½ blocks) cream cheese, cold
340 g (3 cups) powdered sugar, sifted

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line two 9‑inch cake pans with parchment paper. Wrap cake strips around the pans if desired.
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
Add the cubed butter to the dry mixture and mix on low speed until the texture resembles wet sand.
Add the oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until smooth and combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.
For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until creamy.
Assemble the cake by spreading frosting on one layer, topping it with the second layer, and frosting the top and sides.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 20 slices
Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Spiced Chai Mix: Adjust spices to your taste or use the contents of a chai tea bag for a shortcut.
Frosting Options: Replace cream cheese frosting with cinnamon-brown butter buttercream for a deeper flavor.
Layer Alternatives: Bake the cake as a single layer in a 9×13 pan for simplicity.
Tea Infusion: Steep chai tea bags in warm milk before using it in the batter for a stronger chai flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm slices slightly in the microwave or oven to refresh texture and aroma.

FAQs

What is chai spice and why is it used in this cake?

Chai spice is a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. It brings a cozy, aromatic flavor inspired by traditional chai tea.

Can I use a homemade chai spice mix?

Yes, mixing your own blend allows you to customize the flavor intensity. A combination of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and allspice works well.

Do I need to use cake strips?

Cake strips are optional but help your cake layers bake evenly with flat tops, making frosting and stacking easier.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just note that texture may be slightly different.

What’s the best way to measure flour?

Fluff the flour with a spoon, scoop it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the layers a day in advance and store them wrapped at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and measure ingredients accurately. Store the cake tightly covered to retain moisture.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can use spiced buttercream or simply dust the cake with powdered sugar for a lighter option.

What pan size should I use?

This recipe is designed for two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also use a 9×13 pan for a single-layer version.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely. Its warm spice flavors and elegant appearance make it perfect for birthdays, holidays, and festive gatherings.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a cozy, flavorful dessert that brings together the perfect blend of warm spices and rich sweetness. With its tender layers and creamy frosting, it’s a memorable treat for any celebration or chilly day when you need something comforting and delicious.