Best Chai Cake Recipe – Indian Flavors Made Simple

I still remember the first time I brewed a spiced cup of chai in my tiny kitchen, the aroma instantly filling the room with warmth and comfort. That same cozy feeling inspired this easy chai cake recipe, perfect for family gatherings or a simple treat after work. This moist masala chai cake is customizable, quick to make, and pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, making it one of the best chai cake recipes to try at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate easy chai cake, this recipe is a must-try. Inspired by classic Indian chai flavors, this masala chai cake is moist, tender, and bursting with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons, this chai cake with cream cheese frosting is both quick and customizable. You can make it from scratch or even try a chai cake with box mix for a faster version. With its balanced flavors, simple ingredients, and fuss-free steps, this is easily one of the best chai cake recipes you’ll ever bake. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for busy weeknights or preparing for a special occasion, this Indian chai cake delivers the comforting taste of chai in every bite. Easy to make, delicious, and versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Perfect for tea time, dessert tables, or sharing with loved ones, this chai cake combines convenience with flavor, making it an essential recipe for any home baker.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This chai cake recipe combines simple pantry staples with warm, aromatic spices to create a moist, flavorful dessert. All-purpose flour provides structure, while baking powder and baking soda ensure a light, tender crumb. The chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and optional cloves—give this masala chai cake its signature flavor. Butter and sugar create richness and sweetness, while eggs and vanilla enhance the taste. Brewed chai or spiced tea adds authentic chai flavor, and milk or yogurt keeps the cake moist. Topping it with cream cheese frosting makes it indulgent yet balanced, and optional garnishes like nuts, cinnamon dusting, or edible flowers add a finishing touch. Whether you’re making this easy chai cake from scratch or using a box mix, these ingredients work together to deliver one of the best chai cake recipes that’s perfect for family gatherings, tea time, or special occasions.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brewed chai, cooled (or strong black tea with chai spices)
¾ cup whole milk or yogurt

For the Frosting:

16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese or buttercream frosting, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency

Optional Decorations:

Ground cinnamon or chai powder for dusting
Crushed nuts (almonds or pistachios)
Edible flowers for garnish

How to Make This Recipe

Creating the perfect easy chai cake is simple when you follow these steps. This masala chai cake combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves with a moist, tender crumb that’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy afternoons. Using brewed chai or spiced tea in the batter enhances the authentic Indian chai flavor. The cake can be baked from scratch or made with a chai cake box mix for a faster version. Topping it with a creamy chai cake with cream cheese frosting adds richness, while optional garnishes like crushed nuts or a dusting of cinnamon make it visually appealing and irresistible. This chai cake recipe delivers one of the best chai cake experiences—moist, flavorful, and customizable for any occasion.

🛒 Steps:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves).

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

Step 4: Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with brewed chai and milk or yogurt until smooth.

Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.

Step 7: Apply a crumb coat to the cooled chai cake and chill 20 minutes. Then frost the cake evenly.

Step 8: Optionally, dust with cinnamon or chai powder, sprinkle crushed nuts, or decorate with edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

Step 9: Slice and serve your moist masala chai cake with cream cheese frosting, perfect for tea time or special occasions.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering the perfect chai cake is all about understanding how each ingredient contributes to the flavor and texture. Using freshly ground spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger intensifies the authentic Indian masala chai flavor in your easy chai cake. Brewed chai or spiced tea adds moisture and depth, creating a tender, moist chai cake. Butter and sugar provide richness and sweetness, while eggs and yogurt maintain structure and softness. Topping the cake with a creamy chai cake with cream cheese frosting balances the spices perfectly. Whether baking from scratch or using a chai cake box mix, these expert tips ensure you create one of the best chai cake recipes every time, with customizable flavors for family gatherings, tea time, or special occasions.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use freshly ground cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for maximum chai flavor.

Brew strong chai or spiced tea to mix into the batter for a moist, flavorful chai cake.

Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to achieve a light, tender crumb in your masala chai cake.

Alternate adding dry ingredients with chai and yogurt or milk to maintain moisture and structure.

Chill the cake slightly before frosting to make spreading the chai cake with cream cheese frosting easier and smoother.

Dust with cinnamon or chai powder and garnish with nuts or edible flowers for a professional presentation.

Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your easy chai cake soft and moist.

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This easy chai cake is a must-try for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of Indian masala chai. Moist and tender, this masala chai cake can be made from scratch or with a chai cake box mix, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Topped with a creamy chai cake with cream cheese frosting and customizable with spices, nuts, or edible flowers, it’s one of the best chai cake recipes you’ll ever bake. Enjoy this flavorful chai cake with family or friends, paired with a hot cup of tea, for a cozy and memorable dessert experience. By following this recipe, you’ll create a moist, aromatic chai cake that’s versatile, easy, and guaranteed to impress.

Chai Cake

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A moist, spiced chai cake infused with warm masala flavors like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for tea time, special occasions, or cozy evenings, this cake delivers the classic taste of Indian chai in every bite.

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Ingredients

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup brewed chai, cooled (or strong black tea with chai spices)

• ¾ cup whole milk or yogurt

For the Frosting:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese or buttercream frosting, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency

Optional Decorations:

• Ground cinnamon or chai powder for dusting

• Crushed nuts (almonds or pistachios)

• Edible flowers for garnish

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Bake Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves).

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with chai and milk/yogurt until smooth.

5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 2: Frost Cake

1. Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.

2. Apply a crumb coat to the cooled cake and chill 20 minutes.

3. Frost the cake evenly and smooth with a spatula.

Step 3: Decorate

1. Dust with ground cinnamon or chai powder.

2. Optionally, sprinkle crushed nuts or add edible flowers on top for a Tasty-inspired presentation.

Notes

• Moisture Tip: Use yogurt or milk to keep the cake soft and tender.
• Make Ahead: Bake a day before serving and frost the day of.
• Flavor Boost: Brew the chai strong to enhance the spice flavor.
• Mini Version: Make cupcakes and frost individually for party servings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Tea Cake
• Method: Baked / Frosted
• Cuisine: Indian-Inspired