Spiced Brown Sugar Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle

Brown Sugar Chai Cake Recipe My Coziest Autumn Bake

By Marcus O’NeillOctober 3, 2025Updated: October 2, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something comforting and spiced? This Brown Sugar Chai Cake will become your new favourite! It's a wonderfully moist cake dessert with the warm embrace of chai spices.

Brief Overview

This recipe's roots are in classic American baking sweets , elevated with the exotic flair of Indian chai. It's a medium difficulty bake taking about an hour, yielding around 8-10 servings perfect for sharing.

This isn't your typical Brown Sugar Cake Recipe !

Main Benefits

The chai spices in this Spiced Chai Cake not only taste divine, but some say they offer digestive benefits. This Easy Chai Cake Recipe is ideal for a cozy Autumn Baking Recipes session, or as a heartwarming treat any time of year.

Honestly, what makes this Chai Spice Cake Recipe special is how the brown sugar beautifully complements the spices.

Let's Talk Cake!

Right then, let's have a proper chat about this Brown Sugar Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle . Remember that time I tried a Victoria Sponge and it was drier than the Sahara? That's why I'm obsessed with getting cakes just right.

We want moist, spiced perfection, not a crumbly disaster.

Why This Cake Rocks

This Chai Cake is basically a hug in cake form. Imagine sitting down with a cuppa and a slice of this beauty.

The Brown Sugar gives it a lovely caramel flavour, while the chai spices offer warmth and depth. And don't even get me started on the Cream Cheese Drizzle ! It's tangy, sweet, and finishes it perfectly.

I promise How To Make Chai Cake will become your go to question in the end.

Get Your Gear Ready

Before we dive in, let's make sure you've got all your bits and bobs. A 9 inch cake tin is essential, as is some baking paper (makes life so much easier).

You'll also need an electric mixer (handheld or stand), a whisk, and a rubber spatula. Oh, and a small saucepan for steeping the tea.

Trust me, having everything prepped makes baking sweets a breeze.

Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

Alright, let's talk ingredients, shall we? You'll need stuff like flour, butter, sugar (both brown and granulated), eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream.

But the real stars are the chai tea bags and those wonderful Chai Spice ! You can use PG Tips, Yorkshire Tea, or whatever your favourite is.

Right then, let's talk about what you need to whip up this epic Brown Sugar Chai Cake . Don't worry, it's not rocket science.

I promise! We'll go through everything bit by bit. So let's dive into the essential gear!

Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Started

Here's a peek behind the curtain. We're listing the essentials for How To Make Chai Cake , so we can bake the perfect Chai Cake .

Main Ingredients

Okay, let's break down the goodies you'll need. Measurements are key, so pay attention.

Chai Infusion:
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Proper milk really makes a difference!
- Chai tea bags: 2 . (PG Tips with chai spices if you can find them!)
The Cake:
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (180g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Ground ginger: ¼ teaspoon
- Ground cloves: ⅛ teaspoon (just a pinch!)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113g) , softened. Must be properly softened.
- Light brown sugar : ¾ cup (150g) , packed. Adds the perfect caramel-y depth.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100g)
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Sour cream: ½ cup (120ml) . Adds great moisture.
Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- Cream cheese: 4 ounces (113g) , softened
- Milk: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120g) , sifted. No lumps allowed!
- Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon

The quality of your brown sugar seriously matters here! Look for the moist, packed kind. It makes all the difference to this Brown Sugar Cake Recipe !

Seasoning Notes

Spices, spices, baby!.

Essential combo: Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are the trifecta.
Vanilla extract enhances everything. Don't skip it!
Cardamom is welcome! Add ½ teaspoon to the dry mix for a kick.
No cloves? Allspice can work in a pinch.

The smell of chai spice always reminds me of Autumn Baking Recipes with the fam!

Equipment Needed

Right, onto the tools!

Essential:
- 9 inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan
Alternatives:
- No electric mixer? Elbow grease works fine with a whisk!
- Cake pan alternative? Try a baking dish of similar size.

This Easy Chai Cake Recipe is almost as easy as pie!.

I had some challenges to make the perfect Spiced Chai Cake while I was Baking Sweets for the Christmas, I made a HUGE mess that I had to tidy up.

.. Oh my gosh!. Hope you don't follow my steps!.

Anyway, ready to create some magic? This Chai Spice Cake Recipe is about to rock your world, specially with the Brown Sugar Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle .

Alright, gather 'round, bakers! Let's talk about How To Make Chai Cake . Honestly, baking is like therapy for me. And this Spiced Brown Sugar Chai Cake ? It's my happy place in cake form.

I'm going to spill all my secrets. Let's get started on creating this amazing cake dessert.

Getting Ready for Chai Cake Glory

It's all about the mise en place , innit? First, get all your ingredients measured and ready. Soften that butter none of that straight from-the-fridge nonsense.

While the oven preheats to 350° F ( 175° C) , grease and flour your 9 inch round cake tin. Alternatively, I often line the base with parchment for easy release total lifesaver.

For some real organization tips I recommend you prepare all the wet ingredients together to incorporate them later more easily.

Also, don't forget safety! Hot ovens are not your friend so always use oven gloves when taking the cake out, or you'll learn the hard way like I did back in the day, Ouch!

Baking Your Best Chai Cake: step-by-step

Right, let's get baking!

Infuse the Milk: Heat 1 cup of milk and steep 2 chai tea bags for 10 minutes . Squeeze those bags for extra flavour! Then let it cool a bit.
Dry Squad Assemble: Whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ginger, ⅛ tsp cloves, and ½ tsp salt.
Cream Team: Cream together ½ cup softened butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Egg-cellent Addition: Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla.
Alternate Route: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the chai infused milk. Start and end with the dry stuff. Mix until just combined.
Sour Cream Smoosh: Gently fold in ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Bake Time: Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 35- 40 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.
Cool Down: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.

Visual cues for doneness? The cake should spring back lightly when touched.

Pro Tips for a Proper Brown Sugar Cake Recipe

Don't overmix. Seriously, resist the urge! Overmixing equals tough cake.
If you want to take your cake dessert to the next level, try browning the butter before creaming it with the sugars. It adds a nutty depth that is pure magic.
make-ahead option: Bake the cake a day ahead, wrap it well, and drizzle the cream cheese icing just before serving.

Honestly, this Chai Spice Cake Recipe is the perfect bake for a chilly evening. The warm spices and brown sugar create this cozy flavour that is perfect for Autumn Baking Recipes.

Top it all of with the Brown Sugar Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle. So, grab your apron and get baking! Before you know if you'll be asking yourself, how did I not find this Easy Chai Cake Recipe sooner?

Recipe Notes for Your Brown Sugar Chai Cake Masterpiece

Right, so you're ready to bake your Brown Sugar Chai Cake . Ace! Before you get started, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs.

These are the little things that can take your Spiced Chai Cake from good to oh my gosh, that's amazing .

Think of these as my tips for a Brown Sugar Cake Recipe that's going to knock your socks off.

Serving Suggestions: Showstopper Presentation

Honestly, presentation is half the battle, isn't it? For plating, I like to pop a slice of the Easy Chai Cake Recipe on a plate.

Then I add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fancy pants, eh? A sprig of mint can't hurt! Or, you know, just go full-on comfort and serve it warm with a cuppa Chai Cake .

A great accompaniment is some fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries. These add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cake.

You could even make a simple berry compote. If you’re looking for drinks, try a hot mug of chai tea to enhance the chai spice or a simple Earl Grey to complement the flavors.

Storage Tips: Keep the Goodness Going

Right, if you've got leftovers of your Chai Spice Cake Recipe (unlikely, but hey!), keep it in an airtight container.

It will last for about 3 days in the fridge. To freeze, wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil.

Then you pop it in the freezer, where it'll be happy for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds just until it's warm to the touch.

Variations: Make It Your Own

Fancy a tweak? Instead of cinnamon, try nutmeg, or both. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

For a vegan Chai Cake , swap butter for vegan butter, sour cream for plant based yogurt, and use an egg replacer.

During Autumn Baking , why not add some grated apple or pear to the batter? You can also add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.

Remember that the secret to perfecting How To Make Chai Cake is experimenting with flavors and textures.

Nutrition Basics: Treat Yourself Well

Let's be real, it's cake, not a kale salad. But it does have some good stuff. Each slice of Brown Sugar Chai Cake contains about 420 calories.

You also get 5g of protein, 22g of fat, and 53g of carbohydrates. Chai spices like cinnamon and ginger have anti inflammatory properties.

Plus, brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor. It also provides trace minerals like iron and potassium.

So, there you have it. My notes and tips for your Brown Sugar Chai Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle . Remember, Baking Sweets and Cake Desserts is all about having fun.

So, get in the kitchen, put on some tunes, and bake up a storm. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Brown Sugar Chai Cake ahead of time? I'm a busy bee, you know!

Absolutely! You can bake the Brown Sugar Chai Cake a day ahead of time. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Hold off on the cream cheese drizzle until just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

My Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a bit dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it next time?

Oh dear, a dry cake is a right bother! It's likely the batter was overmixed, or the cake was baked for too long. Be sure to mix the batter until just combined next time, and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of extra milk to the batter.

What are some fun variations I can try with this Brown Sugar Chai Cake recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? You could add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for some texture. For a more intense chai flavour, add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom or a pinch of black pepper to the dry ingredients.

You could also try infusing the milk with different chai tea blends experiment and see what you like!

How should I store any leftover Brown Sugar Chai Cake?

To keep your Brown Sugar Chai Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it's particularly warm weather, you can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, but be aware that the cake may dry out slightly.

Letting it sit at room temperature before serving brings back some of the moisture.

Can I freeze this Brown Sugar Chai Cake?

Yes, you can! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. It's best to freeze the cake without the cream cheese drizzle; add that fresh once it's thawed.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Brown Sugar Chai Cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure to use a blend that's designed for baking cakes, as some blends can be a bit gummy. You might also consider adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum to the batter for extra structure.