Description
Vanilla Chai Cake is full of warmth with softly sweetened chai spices throughout. Paired beautifully with a Vanilla Mascarpone Frosting that delivers rich creaminess that makes taking a bite into this chai cake reminiscent of drinking a cup of creamy chai tea.
Ingredients
Scale
VANILLA CHAI CAKE
- 2 2/3 cups (320 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) orange zest, divided
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons (4 grams) ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons (4 grams) ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups (339 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream
- 3 large eggs (150 grams)
- 3/4 cup (180 grams) oat milk or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon (13 grams) vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
VANILLA MASCARPONE FROSTING
- 2 cups (480 grams) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (86 grams) powdered sugar
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (26 grams) vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) pure vanilla extract
SUGARED CHAI SPICE
- 1 tablespoon (13 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons (4 grams) ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons (4 grams) ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 to 6 star anise
- 4 to 6 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- CAKE: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour bottom and sides of four 6-inch (15 cm) or two 9-inch (23 cm) round baking pans; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, salt, nutmeg, baking soda and black pepper; set aside.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment on medium speed, mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add sour cream and continue to mix until just combined. Gradually mix in 1 egg at a time until well combined. Mix in 1 cup of flour mixture on low speed alternating with half of the milk and ending with the flour mixture. Continue to mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared baking pans about 2/3 full. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few dry crumbs.
- Allow cakes to rest in the pans for 15 minutes. Then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
- FROSTING: In a bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment, mix heavy cream and powdered sugar on low to medium speed for 1 minute. Gradually increase speed to medium-high and continue to mix until soft peaks begin to form. Add in mascarpone cheese and vanilla, continue to mix until stiff peaks form.
- ASSEMBLY: Spread about 1/2 cup of vanilla mascarpone frosting on top of the bottom cake layer. If needed, add more frosting to achieve a frosting layer that is 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place a second cake layer on top and spread frosting once more. Repeat process for any remaining cake layers.
- Spread a thin coat of frosting around the sides of the cake to create a crumb coat. Chill cake uncovered for 20 minutes or up to 1 hour. Once the sides are cool to the touch and semi-dry, remove the cake and spread more frosting around the top and sides.
- In a small bowl using a fork, mix all ingredients of the sugared chai spice. Add more sugar if desired. Sprinkle the chai spice over the top of the cake.
- Fill a pastry or piping bag with a star tip and create a few swirls over the top of the cake. Decorate with star anise and cinnamon sticks. Sprinkle remaining orange zest over the top for the finishing touch. Slice and ENJOY!
Notes
- Cake is best served at room temperature and should be stored covered in the fridge.
- Depending on the number of pans baking at once, this could increase the need to add more baking time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chai cake, vanilla chai cake, vanilla mascarpone frosting