Name: Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 2 h 8 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar; 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed; 3 eggs, at room temperature; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature; 1 1/4 cups (280 g) unsalted butter; 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold; 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar; 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk; 2 chai teabags; 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you are searching for a comfort dessert that wraps you in cozy autumnal spices and boasts a velvety, luscious texture, the Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe brings together the warm, fragrant notes of chai spices soaked into a perfectly tender cake, all crowned with a dreamy brown butter cream cheese frosting that takes every bite to an irresistible level of indulgence. It’s not just a cake — it’s an experience that feels like a warm hug in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl filled with light brown, frothy batter that has a smooth, swirled texture visible on the top layer. The batter has tiny dark specks throughout, adding detail to the creamy and airy surface. The bowl sits on a warm, rustic wooden table, with a small glass jar of cinnamon sticks and two star anise pods positioned nearby, along with the edge of an old open book showing printed text. The image is softly lit, showcasing a cozy kitchen atmosphere. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe truly special are the simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes warmth, flavor depth, or texture that together create the magic in every bite.

All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the perfect structure that keeps the cake tender without being dense.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Infuses the cake with the classic spicy warmth chai is known for.
Ground ginger (1 1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle zing that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Ground allspice (1/2 tsp): Gives a rich underpinning of clove and nutmeg flavors.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle earthy sweetness.
Ground cardamom (1 tsp): Introduces a fragrant citrusy note that brightens the spice blend.
Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Packs a punch of deep aromatic intensity, balancing sweetness.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise perfectly to a soft, airy texture.
Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Works with the buttermilk to tenderize the crumb.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.
Unsalted butter (10 tbsp, softened): Brings richness and moisture to the cake’s crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the spices.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a slight caramel note and deepens moistness.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s soft texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Balances and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Buttermilk (1 cup, room temperature): Reacts with baking soda for a tender crumb and adds subtle tanginess.
Unsalted butter (1 1/4 cups for frosting): Browned to add a nutty complexity to the frosting base.
Cream cheese (8 oz, cold): Provides creamy tang and luscious texture to the frosting.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
Whole milk (1/2 cup for soak): Makes the chai milk soak silky and light.
Chai teabags (2): Infuse the soaking milk with deep spicy tea flavors.
Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Adds luxurious sweetness and richness to the soak.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp for soak): Enhances the soak’s flavor and ties everything together.

How to Make Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Chai-Spiced Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a 9×9 inch pan with butter and parchment paper. Whisk together all your dry chai spices, flours, and leavening agents for a perfectly balanced spice blend that fills the cake with warmth. Cream the softened butter and sugars until fluffy, then incorporate eggs and vanilla until the mix is light and smooth. Alternately add your buttermilk and dry mixture, folding gently to keep the batter airy and moist. Pour into your pan and bake for about 35-38 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 2: Create the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake works its magic in the oven, start your frosting by gently browning the butter over medium heat until nutty and golden, then chill it until it firms up but stays spreadable. Whip the brown butter until fluffy, add cold cream cheese, and beat again until perfectly smooth. Sift in powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps, finishing with a fluffy, rich frosting that tastes like a caramel dream.

Step 3: Brew and Prepare the Chai Milk Soak

Warm your whole milk on low and steep the chai tea bags for 20 minutes to deeply infuse the milk. Remove the tea bags and allow it to cool before stirring in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla for that luscious, creamy soak that will transform the cake’s texture to something almost tres leches-like but with a spicy twist.

Step 4: Assemble and Soak Your Chai Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, trim a thin layer off the top to better absorb your chai milk soak. Poke tiny holes all over using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, so the soak seeps in beautifully. Slowly pour the chai milk soak over the cake, allowing it time to absorb fully without rushing. Finally, slather the cake with your brown butter cream cheese frosting, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for a dusting of charm, and your Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe is ready to delight!

How to Serve Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe

This image shows a group of square cake pieces with two layers each: a light brown cake base with a soft, crumbly texture, and a thick, creamy off-white frosting layer on top sprinkled with fine brown spice powder. One cake square is tilted slightly to show the inside texture, and nearby there is a wooden bowl containing cinnamon sticks and star anise. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your presentation extra special, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or crushed chai spices over the frosting. For a touch of elegance and texture, add toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. A few edible rose petals or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also brighten the look and elevate the cozy feel.

Side Dishes

This chai cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast its spice with cool creaminess. Serve alongside a warm chai latte or a cup of black tea to enhance the intricate chai flavors. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or apples make a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to turn this recipe into a show-stopping dessert centerpiece, consider layering the cake with extra chai milk soak between layers or serving it trifecta-style in individual mini trifles using the cake, soak, and frosting. You can also cut it into charming, petite squares for tea parties or gifting in beautifully wrapped boxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted baked cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the chai milk soak and frosting for best results. The frosting itself is best made fresh or kept refrigerated but can be frozen if tightly wrapped.

Reheating

If you like your chai cake slightly warmed, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This enhances the aroma of spices and softens the frosting slightly, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of whole milk for the chai soak?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk for whole milk, but whole milk will give a richer texture and flavor that enhances the soak’s creamy quality in this Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe.

Is it possible to make this cake nut-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally nut-free unless you add nuts as a garnish. Just make sure your spices and other ingredients haven’t been processed with nuts if allergies are a concern.

Can I use a different tea instead of chai tea bags?

You can experiment with black tea or even rooibos, but chai tea specifically adds a signature blend of spices that make this cake so special. Using a different tea will change the flavor profile significantly.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Since the chai milk soak will add moisture later, the cake should be fully baked but not overdried.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but baking times and textures may vary. Consider adding a binder like xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t contain it, to help the cake hold together well.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Chai Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Chai Milk Soak Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels both decadent and comforting all at once. The blend of spices, the moist soak, and that utterly dreamy frosting come together like a perfect fall melody. I truly encourage you to try this recipe and experience how a humble cake can become a centerpiece of joy for any occasion. Your taste buds will thank you!