Irresistible Chai Spice Cake Recipe for Tea Lovers

### Introduction

If you love the warm, aromatic flavors of chai tea, this Irresistible Chai Spice Cake is bound to become your new favorite treat. Perfect for tea lovers, this cake combines the rich spices found in traditional chai – like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger – into a moist and fluffy dessert. Ideal for afternoon tea or a cozy gathering, this cake is both comforting and delightful, beautifully showcasing the essence of chai in every bite.

### Ingredients

– **For the Cake:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk

– **For the Chai Spiced Syrup (optional):**
– ½ cup water
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 black tea bags
– 1 stick of cinnamon
– 2-3 whole cardamom pods
– 1-2 slices of fresh ginger

– **For the Frosting:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for garnish)

### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.

3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. **Combine Mixtures:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. **Bake the Cake:** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. **Prepare Chai Spiced Syrup (optional):** While the cakes are baking, make the chai spiced syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, tea bags, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and ginger slices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool; strain before using.

8. **Cool the Cakes:** Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

9. **Make the Frosting:** In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add vanilla and milk, adjusting the consistency with more milk if necessary until you achieve a smooth and spreadable frosting.

10. **Assemble and Frost:** If using the syrup, poke holes in the cooled cakes and drizzle with the chai spiced syrup before frosting. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, add a layer of frosting, then top with the second layer of cake. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon if desired.

### Tips

– For added flavor, steep the tea bags in hot water for longer in the spiced syrup to extract more flavor.
– You can substitute the milk with buttermilk for a rich, moist cake.
– Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for additional texture.
– If you prefer a different frosting, cream cheese frosting pairs exceptionally well with chai flavors.

### Serving Suggestions

Serve this chai spice cake as a delightful centerpiece for an afternoon tea gathering. Pair it with a cup of strong black tea or a chai latte to enhance the flavor experience. Fresh fruits like sliced pears or apples on the side create a lovely balance, while a dollop of whipped cream makes it extra indulgent. Enjoy it as a tasty dessert or a sweet accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage!

tea lovers, chai cake, baking