Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups dark brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup neutral oil (like canola)
1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
12 oz cream cheese (cold)
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all chai spices.
3. Add cubed butter and beat until the mixture resembles damp sand.
4. Mix in oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between pans.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool layers completely on a wire rack.
8. To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
9. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth.
10. Level the cake layers if needed.
11. Frost between layers and over the top; smooth or rustic finish optional.
12. Decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or whole spices like star anise or cinnamon sticks.
Notes
You can make the layers a day ahead and chill them.
Frosting also holds well for up to 2 days when refrigerated.
For stronger flavor, increase cardamom or ginger slightly.
Pairs beautifully with chai tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg