• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Work with Me

The Bonnie Fig

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Work with Me
  • Return Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Contact Us
    • Shop
    • Work with Me
    • Return Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Fall recipes

    Sep 13, 2021 · Modified: Sep 27, 2023 by Melissa Bravo-Almazan · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Easy Chai Cake Recipe with a Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe

    There's nothing quite like the smell of warm chai spices in the fall. Whether it's in the form of a dirty chai latte or chai cookies, both stir up the cozy, fall vibes that I love. That's exactly what you can expect with this chai cake recipe. This aromatic delight has easily become one of my family's favorite cake recipes and will quickly become yours as well!

    Chai cake with vanilla buttercream frosting.

    I know you would want to pair a traditional chai cake recipe with cream cheese frosting but sometimes you just have to shake things up a bit. Trust me when I tell you that this pairing of aromatic spices and vanilla frosting is flawless! Sometimes cream cheese frosting can be a bit overbearing and distract you from the real star of the show...the cake!

    Although buttercream frosting has a distinct flavor, it does not block the warm and welcoming blend of spices from coming through the cake, making this an ideal choice to enjoy this all season long.

    When Should I Serve this Cake?

    A wonderful occasion for serving chai spice cake is during a cozy fall gathering. The aromatic chai flavor, with its blend of warming spices like ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, and ground cloves, make it an ideal dessert choice for a crisp autumn day. Whether it's a casual family get-together, a friends' potluck, or an afternoon cup of chai, this cake's rich and comforting taste adds a delightful touch to the ambiance. Its inviting aroma and cozy flavors will create a memorable experience, perfectly capturing the time of year.

    Cake Batter Ingredients

    Chai cake recipe ingredients.
    • All purpose flour
    • Baking powder
    • Salt
    • Chai spice
    • Brown sugar
    • Eggs
    • Sour cream
    • Whole milk
    • Unsalted butter
    • Vanilla extract

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Frosting Ingredients

    • Unsalted butter
    • Vanilla extract
    • Whole milk
    • Chai spice
    • Icing sugar (powdered sugar)
    • Salt

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions for Making Chai Cake Recipe

    I've included a few process shots along with step-by-step instructions.

    Adding chai spice to dry ingredients.
    Adding chai spice to dry ingredients.
    Vanilla extract, eggs, and brown sugar whisked together.
    Vanilla extract, eggs, and brown sugar whisked together.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and chai spice. See recipe card for homemade chai spice mix ingredients. In a large bowl, beat together eggs and vanilla extract then whisk in brown sugar.

    Adding butter, sour cream, and milk to wet ingredients.
    Adding butter, sour cream, and milk to wet ingredients.
    Adding dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
    Adding dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

    Add in milk, sour cream, and cooled butter. Mix well. You can use a whisk or electric mixer for this. Pour flour mixture into bowl of wet ingredients. Combine well with a rubber spatula.

    Cake batter in prepared cake pans.
    Cake batter in prepared cake pans.
    Cake layers cooling on a wire rack.
    Chai layer cake cooling on a wire rack.

    Coat 2, 8 inch round cake pans with butter then dust with flour. Pour an even amount of cake batter into each, prepared cake pan. I used a kitchen scale to make sure each pan had an equal amount. Bake at 350°F for 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in pans on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes before removing from the cake pans. Allow the cakes to cool on the wire rack for another 20 minutes before adding the frosting.

    Vanilla buttercream frosting for chai cake recipe.
    Vanilla buttercream frosting.
    Vanilla buttercream frosting on first cake layer.
    Vanilla buttercream frosting on first cake layer.

    Add all your frosting ingredients into the bowl of your stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment and speed setting to medium speed. Mix for a few minutes until you get a smooth, airy texture. When frosting your layers, place top of each cake layer, upside down. Add thin layer of frosting over the flat part of the first layer then add second cake layer on top. Flat side should be face up. Spread the rest of the frosting on the entire cake, including the sides. You can use a frosting spatula or cake scraper like I did.

    Whole chai cake with vanilla frosting.
    Whole chai cake with vanilla frosting.
    Inside view of chai cake.
    Inside view of the cake.

    Decorate the top of the cake with cinnamon sticks, star anise or any other fun, fall items. This amount of frosting is enough to cover a "naked" style cake. Feel free to make more if desired!

    This delicious chai cake recipe is a classic that you and your family will enjoy for years to come!

    Substitutions

    Below are a few substitution ideas you may consider when making this recipe.

    • Sour cream - you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
    • Cake layers - instead of making a 2-layer cake, you can make it in the form of a sheet cake or a single layer cake. For making a single layer cake, I recommend using a 10 inch, springform cake pan. Be sure to adjust your baking time.

    Variations

    This is the perfect cake recipe for making the following variations:

    • Chai Cake Trifle: Cube the chai cake and layer it in glasses with chai-infused whipped cream, crushed cookies, and caramel sauce. Repeat the layers for a stunning and decadent chai cake trifle.
    • Chai Cake Muffins: Transform your chai cake batter into muffins for a convenient on-the-go option. Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full and bake until golden.
    • Chai Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two slices of chai cake for an irresistible frozen dessert that combines the best of both worlds.
    • Chai Cake Parfait: Layer chai cake cubes with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey in serving glasses. Repeat the layers for a wholesome and delicious parfait.

    Whichever one you try, be sure to enjoy it with a cup of your favorite tea! Don't be afraid to get creative. Experiment and have fun with the variations that you can add to this chai cake recipe.

    Equipment

    • Stand mixer or an electric hand mixer
    • 2, 8 inch cake pans
    • Kitchen scale
    • Measuring cup

    Storage

    Store vanilla chai cake at room temperature in an airtight container or in a wood and glass cake storage container for 4 days.

    Top tip

    You can make the cake layers ahead of time. You can make them the day before you plan on frosting and serving them. Simply wrap each individual layer in plastic wrap. Keep them stored at room temperature. Wrapping each layer in plastic wrap will ensure that you'll have a perfectly moist cake.

    Chai cake with vanilla buttercream frosting.

    Chai Spice Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

    Author: Melissa Bravo-Almazan
    A twist on your traditional spice cake! Paired with a vanilla bean buttercream frosting, makes this an ideal choice to enjoy this fall season.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 28 minutes mins
    Vanilla Buttercream Frosting 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 14

    Equipment

    • 2 8" round cake pans

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups all purpose flour
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon of salt
    • 1 tbsp chai spice mix
    • 1 ½ cup packed brown sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

    Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting

    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tsp chai spice mix
    • 2 tbsp whole milk

    Chai Spice Mix

    • 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
    • 1 tbsp all spice
    • 1 tablespoon nutmeg
    • 1 tbsp ground cloves
    • 5 tsp cinnamon
    • 7 teaspoon ground ginger

    Instructions
     

    • Melt ½ cup butter and let it cool. Coat 2, 8 inch round cake pans with butter then dust with flour. Set aside. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and chai spice. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, beat eggs and vanilla extract together then whisk in brown sugar. Add in milk, sour cream, and cooled butter. Mix well. You can use a whisk or hand mixer for this.
    • Pour bowl of dry ingredients into bowl of wet ingredients. Combine well with a spatula. Pour an even amount of cake batter into each, prepared cake pan. I used a scale to make sure each pan had an equal amount.
    • Place cake pans in the oven, on the bottom rack. Bake at 350°F for 28 minutes. Allow cake to cool in pans on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes before removing from the cake pans. Allow the cakes to cool on the wire rack for another 20 minutes before adding the frosting.

    Buttercream Frosting

    • In a stand mixer, add in softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, chai spice, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until you get a smooth, airy texture. When frosting your layers, place top of each cake layer, upside down. Add thin layer of frosting over the flat part of the first layer then add second cake layer on top. Flat side should be face up. Spread the rest of the frosting on the top and side of the cake. You can use a frosting spatula or cake scraper like I did.
    • This amount of frosting is enough to cover a "naked" style cake. Feel free to make more if desired!
    Keyword buttercream, buttercream frosting, cake, chai cake, spice cake
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Fall recipes

    • Pumpkin pie cheesecake bars cut into 9 squares with one on a small, white plate.
      How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
    • Chocolate pancakes recipe on a white, speckled plate with a pear in the background.
      The Best Chocolate Pancakes Recipe
    • Pecan bars with shortbread crust on white parchment paper.
      The Best Pecan Bars with Shortbread Crust
    • Vegan apple bread slices.
      The Best Vegan Apple Bread Recipe to Make this Fall

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi there! I'm Melissa, the baker and creator behind The Bonnie Fig. I am a nurse turned food blogger and content creator, based in sunny Southern California. I look forward to connecting with you!

    More about me →

    Fall Recipes

    • Pumpkin pie cheesecake bars cut into 9 squares with one on a small, white plate.
      How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
    • Chai cake with vanilla buttercream frosting.
      Easy Chai Cake Recipe with a Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
    • Apple cheesecake bars on a white plate with a silver fork.
      The Best Apple Cheesecake Bars
    • Pecan bars with shortbread crust on white parchment paper.
      The Best Pecan Bars with Shortbread Crust
    • Chai cookies stacked on a small, white cutting board.
      Simple and Delicious Chai Cookies
    • Vegan apple bread slices.
      The Best Vegan Apple Bread Recipe to Make this Fall
    • Chocolate pancakes recipe on a white, speckled plate with a pear in the background.
      The Best Chocolate Pancakes Recipe
    • Bread pudding on a silver plate with a bottle and glass of bourbon in the background.
      The Best Apple and Bourbon Bread Pudding Without Eggs

    Trending Recipes

    • Slices of pumpkin bread with cream cheese on an oval plate.
      The Best Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
    • Fried sardines served over a bed of greens.
      Easy to Make Fried Sardines
    • Brownie recipe with brown sugar cut into squares and arranged on parchment paper.
      The World's Best Brownie Recipe With Brown Sugar
    • A slice of plum cheesecake on a plate.
      The Best Plum Cheesecake You'll Ever Have!
    • Caprese salad recipe cherry tomatoes.
      Caprese Salad Recipe Cherry Tomatoes: An Easy Appetizer
    • A few squares of abuelita hot chocolate brownies stacked on top of each other. They are sprinkled with a bit of flaky salt.
      The Best Abuelita Hot Chocolate Brownies

    Beverages

    • Healthy matcha latte recipe in a clear glass.
      How to Make this Easy and Healthy Matcha Latte Recipe
    • Image of the best champagne for Thanksgiving.
      The Best Champagne for Thanksgiving Celebrations
    • Espresso machine for americano vs cappuccino.
      Americano vs Cappuccino: Which One Is Right for You?
    • Virgin Moscow mule beverages in two copper mugs.
      Ring in the New Year with this Virgin Moscow Mule

    Breakfast Recipes

    • Ice cream scoops over waffles.
      What to Eat with Waffles: 14 Ways to Kick Them Up a Notch
    • Vegan gluten free waffles on pink background.
      Easy and Delicious Vegan Gluten Free Waffles Recipe
    • Lemon pancakes on a white plate.
      Recipe for How to Make Lemon Pancakes with Ricotta
    • Yogurt granola cups with blueberries.
      Breakfast Made Easy with these Yogurt Granola Cups
    • Pouring syrup over stack of ube pancakes.
      Make these Easy and Delicious Ube Pancakes
    • How to make arroz con leche.
      How to Make Arroz con Leche the Easy Way!

    New Recipes

    • How to freeze almond milk, featured post image.
      Our Exclusive Guide on How to Freeze Almond Milk
    • Fig cake recipe on white parchment paper.
      The Best Fig Cake Recipe, Fit for Every Occasion
    • Woman holding sourdough bread.
      How to Reheat Sourdough Bread (A Complete Guide)
    • Coffee chocolate chip cookies on white parchment paper.
      World's Best Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

    Shop

    Unisex Premium Crew Neck Sweatshirt

    Select options

    Vintage Corduroy Cap

    Select options

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme