Brown Sugar Chai Layers (Print-Friendly Recipe)
Two moist layers filled with warm chai spices and finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting.
# Ingredients List:
→ Cake
01 -
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (390 g)
02 -
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar (320 g)
03 -
1 tbsp + 3/4 tsp baking powder (15 g)
04 -
1 tsp kosher salt
05 -
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
06 -
2 tsp ground cardamom
07 -
1 tsp ground ginger
08 -
1 tsp ground allspice
09 -
1 tsp ground nutmeg
10 -
1 tsp ground cloves
11 -
10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (140 g)
12 -
1/2 cup neutral oil (100 g)
13 -
1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature (283 g)
14 -
2 large eggs, room temperature
15 -
1 tbsp vanilla extract
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
16 -
16 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (227 g)
17 -
12 oz cream cheese, cold
18 -
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (340 g)
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
02 -
Submerge cake strips in ice water to prepare for use.
03 -
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and all spices until thoroughly mixed.
04 -
Add cubed unsalted butter to dry mixture and mix on low speed until texture resembles wet sand.
05 -
Pour in oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
06 -
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and wrap soaked cake strips around each pan’s exterior.
07 -
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool layers on wire racks immediately after removal.
08 -
Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to frost for easier handling.
09 -
Beat butter and cold cream cheese in a stand mixer on high speed until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
10 -
Place first cake layer on stand secured with a dab of frosting. Spread an even layer of frosting over it using an offset spatula, then position second layer on top.
11 -
Decorate cake as desired and lightly dust cinnamon on the surface before serving.
# Extra Information:
01 -
Use chilled cake strips soaked in ice water and wrapped around pans to ensure even baking with flat tops.
02 -
Freeze cake layers for at least two hours before frosting to facilitate handling and achieve smooth frosting application.
03 -
Keep cream cheese cold and butter at room temperature to produce a stable and pipeable frosting.
04 -
Sift powdered sugar before adding to frosting to avoid graininess and minimize mixing time.