Description
This delightful Chai Cake with Boiled Milk Frosting combines the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea with a moist, tender cake and a rich, creamy boiled milk frosting. Infused with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and other spices, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions. Each layer is full of chai-infused flavor and topped with a smooth, lightly whipped frosting that perfectly complements the spice blend.
Ingredients
Chai Milk
- 6 bags of chai tea
- 1 1/2 cup milk
Chai Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chai infused milk (from above)
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Boiled Milk Frosting
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chai infused milk (from above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare Chai Milk: In a saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of milk to a near boil. Remove from heat and add 6 chai tea bags. Let the tea steep for 15 minutes to infuse the milk with chai flavors.
- Make Boiled Milk Mixture for Frosting: In another saucepan, whisk together 1 1/4 cup sugar and 5 tablespoons flour. Gradually add 1 cup of the chai-infused milk while whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cooled to room temperature.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. In another bowl, mix 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup chai infused milk. With the mixer on low, alternately add dry and wet ingredients to the batter in three additions (dry, wet, dry), mixing just until combined.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among three greased and parchment-lined 6-inch round cake pans. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only baked crumbs.
- Cool and Chill Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans until just cool enough to handle. Remove the cakes from the pans, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until fully chilled.
- Whip the Boiled Milk Frosting: Using the whip attachment of a mixer, beat 1 1/4 cup unsalted butter on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce speed to low-medium and gradually add the cooled boiled milk mixture one tablespoon at a time, scraping the sides as needed. Increase speed to high and whip until the frosting is smooth, airy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: If needed, level the cake layers with a serrated knife. Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread about 1/4 inch of frosting on top. Add the second layer, repeat the frosting layer, then add the third layer. Cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting, then refrigerate for about 15 minutes to set.
- Final Frosting and Decoration: Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh fruit, nuts, or edible cake-safe flowers as desired. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- The chai-infused milk can be strained if you prefer a smoother consistency without tea particles.
- Cooling the cake layers thoroughly before frosting them helps prevent the frosting from melting.
- The boiled milk frosting is similar to a cooked custard base and gives a rich and unique flavor compared to traditional frostings.
- This cake is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired