As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisper, there's nothing more comforting than a slice of warm, spiced cake to complement the season. This Chai Spice Cake with Caramel Drizzle is a wonderful dessert that captures the essence of autumn, combining the rich flavors of chai spices with the sweetness of caramel. Whether you're hosting an autumn gathering or simply want to treat yourself on a cozy evening, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
To create this delightful cake, you'll need a blend of classic chai spices, which provide the signature warmth and depth of flavor. Here's what you'll need:
For the Chai Spice Cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 cup of plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup of butter (or vegan butter), melted
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
*Note: If you have a hard time to buy spices, consider incorporating Monks’ Chai’s all-in-one chai blend into this recipe.
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of coconut milk (or cream)
- 1/4 cup of butter (or vegan butter)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Preparing the Chai Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. This homemade chai spice blend is the heart of your cake, infusing it with the warm, aromatic flavors that make chai so beloved.
Or if you already have a chai blend, you can totally skip this part and move on to the next step.
See more: Spices Ingredient Infographic
2. Baking the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your chai spice blend.
- In a separate bowl, combine the plant-based milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be smooth but not overly worked, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Creating the Caramel Drizzle:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel drizzle.
In a small saucepan, heat up the brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble, which takes roughly 5-7 minutes.
By then, add the coconut milk/cream in and reduce the heat to low. Mix it and let it simmer until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat, quickly add the butter and the vanilla extract in, then add a pinch of salt. Then voilà, you’ve finished your perfect caramel sauce.
4. Assembling and Finishing the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, place it on a serving plate. Using a spoon, drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. The rich caramel contrasts beautifully with the spiced cake, adding a sweet, buttery finish.
5. Presentation Ideas for a Stunning Dessert:
For a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing the cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or edible flowers. Serve each slice with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for added indulgence. The golden hue of the caramel against the warm tones of the chai cake makes this dessert as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Serving Tips
This Chai Spice Cake with Caramel Drizzle pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage, making it the perfect treat to enjoy on a chilly autumn day. Serve it with a steaming mug of chai tea to enhance the cake's spiced flavors. The tea's rich blend of spices will complement the cake beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor experience that’s both warming and satisfying.
See more: Best Food with Chai?
Want to feel more extra with this dish? Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm spices and sweet caramel drizzle, making it an ideal dessert for a cozy evening at home.
Where to buy chai blend for your chai cake recipe?
To make the most flavorful Chai Spice Cake, it's essential to use a high-quality chai blend. For the best results, consider using Monk’s Chai. Their chai blends are crafted with premium spices, ensuring your cake is infused with the richest, most authentic chai flavors.
Whether you're making this cake or simply brewing a cup of chai tea, their blends are perfect for adding warmth and spice to your autumn treats.