Name: Chai Caramel Cake
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 1 h 17 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: – all-purpose flour for the base, providing structure and a tender crumb; – baking powder for helping the cake rise for a light, fluffy result; – baking soda for working with acidic ingredients like sour cream to add lift; – ground cinnamon for adding warm, aromatic notes that define the chai flavor; – ground cardamom for bringing a citrusy, floral spice that elevates the overall taste; – ground ginger for offering a zesty kick, enhancing the spicy profile; – ground clove for providing a deep, pungent warmth for that authentic chai feel; – ground black pepper for adding a subtle heat if you want to intensify the spices; – salt for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors; – unsalted butter for ensuring creamy richness in the batter; – sunflower oil for keeping the cake moist and tender; – granulated sugar for sweetening the batter and helping with browning; – dark brown sugar for adding moisture and a caramel-like depth; – vanilla extract for infusing a sweet, aromatic essence; – large eggs for binding the ingredients and adding richness; – sour cream for contributing tang and moisture for a soft texture; – whole milk for thinning the batter for easy mixing; – 35% heavy whipping cream for whipping up into a light, airy layer; – dark brown sugar for sweetening and stabilizing the whipped cream; – skim milk powder for helping thicken the filling if used; – pure vanilla extract for adding flavor depth to the whipped cream; – caramel sauce for swirling in for that signature caramel taste; – cream cheese for creating a creamy, tangy topping; – 35% heavy whipping cream for whipping into the frosting for smoothness; – dark brown sugar for sweetening the frosting just right; – pure vanilla extract for enhancing the frosting’s flavor; – caramel sauce for decorating and adding extra gooeyness

Ingredients

– all-purpose flour for the base, providing structure and a tender crumb

– baking powder for helping the cake rise for a light, fluffy result

– baking soda for working with acidic ingredients like sour cream to add lift

– ground cinnamon for adding warm, aromatic notes that define the chai flavor

– ground cardamom for bringing a citrusy, floral spice that elevates the overall taste

– ground ginger for offering a zesty kick, enhancing the spicy profile

– ground clove for providing a deep, pungent warmth for that authentic chai feel

– ground black pepper for adding a subtle heat if you want to intensify the spices

– salt for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors

– unsalted butter for ensuring creamy richness in the batter

– sunflower oil for keeping the cake moist and tender

– granulated sugar for sweetening the batter and helping with browning

– dark brown sugar for adding moisture and a caramel-like depth

– vanilla extract for infusing a sweet, aromatic essence

– large eggs for binding the ingredients and adding richness

– sour cream for contributing tang and moisture for a soft texture

– whole milk for thinning the batter for easy mixing

– 35% heavy whipping cream for whipping up into a light, airy layer

– dark brown sugar for sweetening and stabilizing the whipped cream

– skim milk powder for helping thicken the filling if used

– pure vanilla extract for adding flavor depth to the whipped cream

– caramel sauce for swirling in for that signature caramel taste

– cream cheese for creating a creamy, tangy topping

– 35% heavy whipping cream for whipping into the frosting for smoothness

– dark brown sugar for sweetening the frosting just right

– pure vanilla extract for enhancing the frosting’s flavor

– caramel sauce for decorating and adding extra gooeyness

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prep Your Workspace Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two cake pans by greasing them or lining with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake releases easily and bakes evenly. Having all ingredients at room temperature helps them blend better, avoiding any lumps in the batter.

2-Second Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients Sift together the dry ingredients for the batter, including all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove, optional black pepper, and salt. Sifting makes for a finer texture and helps distribute the spices evenly. This method prevents clumps and ensures your cake has that perfect rise.

3-Third Step: Prepare the Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter, sunflower oil, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the sour cream. This creates a smooth base that incorporates air for a tender crumb. For dietary adaptations, you could use Greek yogurt here if sour cream isn’t on hand.

4-Fourth Step: Combine and Bake Alternately add the dry mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, beating briefly after each addition to emulsify without over-mixing. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-27 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack, which might take about an hour, to prevent the filling from melting prematurely.

5-Fifth Step: Make the Filling Beat the heavy whip cream, dark brown sugar, optional skim milk powder, and pure vanilla extract until firm peaks form. For a lighter version, consider using a lower-fat cream if you’re watching calories. Gently swirl in the caramel sauce to add that signature flavor, making sure it’s well incorporated for the best taste.

6-Sixth Step: Prepare the Frosting Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the heavy whip cream until soft peaks form. Mix in the dark brown sugar to taste and beat to stiff peaks, followed by the pure vanilla extract. This frosting can be adjusted for sweetness, and if you prefer a vegan option, plant-based cream cheese works well here.

7-Final Step: Assemble and Serve Spread the filling over one cooled cake layer and swirl in caramel sauce on top. Place the second layer on top, then frost the entire cake and add extra caramel sauce for decoration. Refrigerate until serving to let the flavors meld. This step ensures your Chai Caramel Cake is ready to impress at any gathering, with a total prep and cook time of just 47 minutes excluding cooling. If you’re hosting a party, this cake pairs nicely with other treats; check out our Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake for more ideas.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌡 Use room temperature ingredients for even blending and better emulsification.
🥄 Sift dry ingredients thoroughly for a finer, more uniform cake texture.
⏰ Test cake doneness with a skewer to prevent over-baking and ensure moist layers.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Regular

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 385
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 195
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 11
Unsaturated Fat: 7
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 58
Fiber: 2.5
Protein: 5
Cholesterol: 65