Description
This Dirty Chai Latte Cake combines the warm, aromatic flavors of chai spices with the boldness of espresso in a moist, tender cake. Enhanced with a smooth vanilla bean buttercream, this cake is perfect for chai and coffee lovers seeking a sophisticated, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Chai Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Small pinch freshly ground black pepper
Chai Latte Cake
- 1 cup (240g) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (3g) good quality instant espresso or instant coffee
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons (289g) all-purpose flour, spooned then leveled and sifted
- 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder, sifted
- Chai spice mix (from above)
- ½ teaspoon (3g) sea salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted European style butter, softened
- 1 cup (213g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon (13g) avocado oil (or grape seed, vegetable, or canola oil)
- 1 tablespoon (13g) pure vanilla extract
Frosting
- One batch vanilla bean buttercream (recipe not included)
Instructions
- Prepare Espresso Milk Mixture: Remove the milk and eggs from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before baking to reach room temperature. Whisk the milk with instant espresso powder until dissolved. Whisk occasionally as the milk warms to ensure the espresso fully dissolves.
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or three 6-inch pans, and line with parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking.
- Make Chai Spice Mix and Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all chai spice ingredients in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, chai spice mix, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter on high speed for about 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and continue beating on high for about 3 more minutes, scraping the bowl halfway through.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add eggs one at a time, beating on medium speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute after each egg until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl. Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing on medium until combined.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add half of the dry flour mixture to the batter and mix on low speed until just combined with some flour streaks visible. Add the milk and espresso mixture and mix again on low until combined. The batter may be slightly chunky. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix on low, folding the batter in 2-3 sweeping motions, scraping sides and bottom of the bowl, allowing some flour streaks to remain.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking early as bake times may vary.
- Cool Cakes: Let cakes cool in their pans for 5-10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting and Assemble: While cakes cool, prepare vanilla bean buttercream. Once cakes are fully cooled, fill and frost as desired. For more frosting layers, cut each cake layer in half horizontally before assembling.
Notes
- Make sure the milk and eggs are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter and even baking.
- Use a good quality instant espresso or coffee powder for the best flavor in the milk.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added; folding gently preserves the texture.
- Check the cakes several minutes before the minimum baking time as ovens and altitude can affect baking.
- If you want extra layers and more frosting between, slice the cake layers horizontally.
- European style butter has lower water content and yields a better texture and flavor for cakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30-60 minutes for milk and eggs to reach room temperature)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Fusion
