Chai Latte Cake is a delightful treat that beautifully combines the cozy flavors of chai with the sweet essence of cake. Imagine biting into a soft, moist slice that’s bursting with warm spices, all wrapped in a luscious mascarpone frosting. Whether you’re enjoying this wonderful dessert by yourself or sharing it with loved ones, each bite evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. What’s even better? Making it is a fun adventure that brings a little magic into your kitchen. With a few simple steps, you can create a cake that not only looks stunning but also tastes heavenly. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on making your new favorite dessert!
Why This Recipe Works
This Chai Latte Cake stands out for several reasons, starting with the unique flavor profile it offers. The combination of chai spices with a hint of French vanilla brings a delightful twist that you’ll look forward to in every bite. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and exciting.
Moreover, achieving the moistness in this cake is key. The blend of butter, oil, and milk works wonders, ensuring that the cake remains soft and tender. No one enjoys a dry cake, right?
Then there’s the frosting. Using mascarpone cheese gives the cake a rich and creamy texture that complements the chai-infused layers perfectly. This trio of flavors and textures ensures each part of the cake shines in its own right.
Why You’ll Love This Chai Latte Cake
There are several reasons why this Chai Latte Cake will steal your heart. First, if you’re a chai lover, this cake is a must-try. It offers an exciting spin on the traditional cake, transforming your favorite drink into a delectable dessert that you would never want to miss.
Visually, it’s stunning too! With its beautiful layers and smooth frosting, it becomes a showstopper at any gathering. People will undoubtedly be reaching for seconds!
But wait, there’s more! The warm spices in each mouthful bring a sense of comfort that’s reminiscent of home. You’ll find the flavors wrapping you in a warm hug, making it not just a treat, but a cozy memory.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
– 3 cups (360 grams) cake flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 ¼ teaspoons chai spice mix*
– ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
– ½ cup (100 grams) vegetable oil
– 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 teaspoon Amoretti’s Naturally Flavored French Vanilla Compound or vanilla extract
– 1 cup (240 grams) whole milk, room temperature
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
– 8 oz (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
– 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1 teaspoon Amoretti’s Naturally Flavored French Vanilla Compound or vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream, if needed
– Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Prepare to Bake the Cake
Preheat and Prepare Cake Pans
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it warms up, grab two 8-inch cake pans. Line them with parchment paper and lightly grease them—you want to ensure the cake comes out without a hitch.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, salt, and chai spice mix. This blend will flavor the cake beautifully once it bakes. Set this mixture aside; you’ll need it soon.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the room temperature butter and vegetable oil. Keep blending on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until everything is perfectly combined. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely fluffy texture.
Add Sugar and Eggs
Now, with the mixer on low speed, gradually stream in the granulated sugar. Once mixed, raise the speed to medium and whip the mixture until it’s fluffy—this should take about 1-2 minutes. Next, crack in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This creates a rich base for your cake.
Mix in Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
It’s time for the French vanilla flavoring; add that in along with the dry ingredients. Mix on low-medium speed. Gradually add half of your dry mix, followed by half of the milk. Repeat this until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—that’s the secret to a tender cake!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Now it’s time to bake! Slide them in the oven for about 33-35 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan. After baking, let them cool completely in the pans before removing them.
Create the Mascarpone Frosting
Beat Mascarpone and Butter
In your stand mixer, combine the mascarpone cheese and softened butter. Beat them together on medium-high speed until it’s all smooth and creamy—a perfect base for your frosting.
Incorporate Vanilla and Sugar
Add the French vanilla, salt, and the first cup of powdered sugar. Start mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, and then increase to high speed. Continue adding the powdered sugar in increments, mixing until it’s all combined and fluffy.
Adjust Consistency
If your frosting seems too thick, this is the perfect time to add a splash of milk until you reach the desired consistency. Beat it on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes, and you’ll have a frosting you can’t resist.
Assemble the Cake
Level the Cakes
Once your cakes are completely cooled, use a knife or a cake leveler to carefully level the tops. This part is important for a beautiful presentation.
Frosting the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate, then spread a layer of frosting on top. Gently place the second layer on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake.
Add Cocoa Dusting
As a finishing touch, lightly dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder. This gives a visually appealing look that also enhances the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For the best experience, serve your Chai Latte Cake with a warm cup of chai or coffee. It’s a sweet indulgence that guarantees an enjoyable afternoon. You might even consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream for that extra creamy touch!
Tips for Success
A few tips can take your baking to the next level:
– Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This leads to better mixing and overall results.
– Level your cake layers carefully for a professional-looking finish.
Variations
If you’re in the mood to shake things up, think about adding a layer of caramel sauce between the cake layers for additional sweetness. Alternatively, substitute the chai spice mix with pumpkin spice to celebrate the autumn flavors that we all love.
Storage Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep the frosting fresh for longer, just refrigerate it.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day early and frost them just before you plan to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Definitely! Cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache could be wonderful alternatives.
3. Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted layers wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 3 months.
4. What can I substitute for chai spice?
If chai spice isn’t available, a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg works well.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
When the edges start pulling away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cake is ready!
This Chai Latte Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt experience, combining warmth, flavor, and nostalgia in every single bite. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat for yourself, this delightful recipe takes a classic beverage and gives it a delicious transformation. Enjoy the comforting chai spices and creamy frosting, and elevate your baking journey with this incredible cake!
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Chai Latte Cake
This Chai Latte Cake brings together rich chai flavors and creamy mascarpone frosting for a delightful dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 grams) cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons chai spice mix
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup (100 grams) vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Amoretti’s Naturally Flavored French Vanilla Compound or vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 grams) whole milk, room temperature
- 8 oz (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Amoretti’s Naturally Flavored French Vanilla Compound or vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream, if needed
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare two 8-inch cake pans.
- Whisk together cake flour, baking soda, salt, and chai spice mix in a bowl.
- Cream butter and vegetable oil in a stand mixer.
- Add granulated sugar gradually, then mix in eggs one at a time.
- Incorporate vanilla and dry ingredients with milk alternately.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for about 33-35 minutes.
- Cool cakes completely before removing from pans.
- Beat mascarpone cheese and butter for the frosting until smooth.
- Gradually mix in vanilla and powdered sugar; add milk if necessary.
- Level the cakes before frosting, then spread frosting between layers and on top.
- Dust with cocoa powder for garnish.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Level the cake layers carefully for an attractive finish.
Consider adding caramel sauce between cake layers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 85
