Christmas Chai Spice Cake Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Chai Spice Cake is a warm, fragrant treat perfect for the holiday season. Infused with cozy spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, this cake delivers a festive flavor that’s sure to delight your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (can be replaced with coconut oil for dairy-free version)
• 1 ½ cups sugar (brown sugar can be used for a sweeter flavor)
• 4 large eggs (for vegan, replace with ¼ cup applesauce or flaxseed)
• 1 cup milk (use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Step 4: Stir in the milk until fully combined.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and salt.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor and texture, fold in chopped nuts or dried fruits into the batter before baking.
• A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a festive and elegant touch.
• To make it vegan, replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed and use plant-based milk and oil.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure to make this cake gluten-free.

What spices give the cake its chai flavor?

The chai flavor comes from the combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, creating a warm and aromatic profile.

Christmas Chai Spice Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 84 reviews

This Christmas Chai Spice Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines warm chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves with a tender buttery cake base. Perfect for festive occasions, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making it a seasonal favorite that can be easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: Two 9-inch round cakes (serves 12) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (can be replaced with coconut oil for dairy-free version)
• 1 ½ cups sugar (brown sugar can be used for a sweeter flavor)
• 4 large eggs (for vegan, replace with ¼ cup applesauce or flaxseed)
• 1 cup milk (use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather all your ingredients and measure them out carefully to ensure accurate baking results.
2. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, this incorporates air for a tender cake.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the mixture.
5. Mix in Milk: Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and salt to evenly distribute the spices.
7. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
8. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Notes

• For added texture and flavor, consider folding in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries before baking.
• A light dusting of powdered sugar on top creates a simple, festive presentation.
• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer, deeper sweetness that complements the chai spices well.
• This cake adapts well to gluten-free and dairy-free diets by substituting appropriate ingredients as listed.
• To make it vegan, replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.

Keywords: Christmas cake, chai spice cake, spiced cake, holiday baking, festive dessert, gluten-free cake, dairy-free option, vegan cake adaptation, cinnamon cake, winter spices