Chai Latte Lovers: Masala Chai Tea Cake
Satisfy sweet and spice cravings with this aromatic masala chai-infused cake, perfectly paired with a steaming mug of freshly brewed masala chai.
As an avid explorer of global tea culture, I’m enchanted by the distinctive flavor palette of Indian masala chai. Literally translating to “mixed-spice tea,” it beautifully balances ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and black peppercorn with creamy black tea and hints of sugar and spice. I’ve long incorporated masala chai blends into my morning coffee, oatmeal and tea-infused desserts. The complexity of this chai cake comes from infusing not just the cake itself, but also the glaze and buttercream frosting with masala chai ingredients like ginger and cinnamon. Garnished with cardamom pods and black peppercorns, one breathes in the aroma before even taking a bite!
The cake base features strong black tea and toasted nuts like almonds and walnuts, while a cream cheese glaze made with masala chai powder and honey provides subtle sweetness. Once iced completely, a cinnamon buttercream frosting perfectly pulls together all the flavors. With warm spices permeating each component, you’ll savor masala chai in every single bite. I recommend enjoying a slice with another steaming mug of masala chai, allowing you taste how the nutmeg, clove and cardamom intermingle perfectly in the dessert and the drink.
Offer alongside creamy chai lattes and spiced tea at your next gathering for a sweet way to showcase this distinctive tea tradition beyond the usual biscuits and scones. Watch guests’ delight as they discover an unexpected yet welcome flavor adventure.
Spiced Masala Chai Cake with Honey Glaze Makes one 9-inch layer cake
Cake Ingredients:
- 2⁄3 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1⁄2 cup strong-brewed black tea, cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup mild olive oil
- 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 tsp ground cloves
- 1⁄4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 1⁄4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1⁄2 cup chopped toasted almonds
- 1⁄2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Honey Glaze:
- 1⁄4 cup masala chai powder
- 5 tbsp honey
- 1⁄4 cup boiling water
Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 3⁄4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cake pans and line with parchment.
- Whisk together yogurt, tea, eggs, brown sugar and olive oil.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and dry spices. Fold wet ingredients into dry just until combined. Gently fold in nuts.
- Divide batter between cake pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- For glaze, dissolve chai powder in boiling water and stir in honey until smooth. Brush over cakes while still warm. Allow cakes to cool completely.
- Make cinnamon buttercream by creaming butter, then mixing in remaining ingredients until smooth and spreadable consistency is reached.
- Assemble layer cake with chai glaze and buttercream. Garnish with cardamom pods and black peppercorns.
- Enjoy alongside a steaming mug of homemade masala chai!