Decadent Dirty Chai Spice Cake: 1 Amazing Recipe

Dirty chai spice cake has become my absolute go-to for those crisp autumn evenings when I crave something warm, comforting, and just a little bit decadent. I still remember the first time I tried a dirty chai latte – that magical blend of bold espresso and aromatic chai spices completely blew me away! I knew I had to capture that incredible flavor in a cake. This chai spice cake with espresso delivers just that, with layers of tender, spiced cake infused with coffee and topped with a dreamy espresso caramel buttercream. The aroma alone, with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom mingling with coffee, is enough to make your kitchen feel like the coziest place on earth. Get ready to fall in love with this homemade delight; let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Dirty Chai Spice Cake

Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert! This cake is a true showstopper.

• Intense Flavor: It perfectly balances warm chai spices with the rich kick of espresso.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to ingredients like sour cream and buttermilk, this cake is incredibly tender.
• Aromatic Delight: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and coffee creates an irresistible scent.
• Easy to Make: This easy dirty chai spice cake recipe is straightforward, even for beginner bakers.
• Cozy Fall Treat: It’s the ideal dessert for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Irresistible Frosting: The espresso caramel buttercream takes this cake to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Impress Your Guests: This homemade delight is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Dirty Chai Spice Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful chai spice cake with espresso:

• 2 cups cake flour – sifted for a lighter texture
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – for lift
• 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance flavors
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – a core chai spice
• 1 teaspoon ginger – for a warm, zesty kick
• 1 teaspoon cardamom – for that authentic chai aroma
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – a hint of sweetness
• 1 cup butter, room temperature – essential for a creamy base
• 1 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and caramel notes
• 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and structure
• 3 large eggs, room temperature – binds everything together
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – a classic flavor enhancer
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature – crucial for a moist cake
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature – adds tang and tenderness
• 2 tablespoons espresso powder – the “dirty” secret for deep flavor
• 1/2 cup hot water – to dissolve the espresso
• For the Espresso Buttercream:
• 3 cups powdered sugar – for sweetness and a smooth finish
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – to achieve the perfect consistency
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce – for that decadent swirl

Dirty Chai Cake Ingredients Breakdown

The magic of this homemade dirty chai spice cake lies in its components. Espresso powder provides the signature “dirty” coffee kick that pairs beautifully with the aromatic chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Sour cream and buttermilk are key to achieving that wonderfully moist and tender crumb, ensuring every bite is a delight.

How to Make Dirty Chai Spice Cake

Let’s bake this incredible cake! It’s easier than you think, and the aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg. Sifting ensures no lumps and a lighter cake texture.
3. Step 3: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Pour in the buttermilk and mix again. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth and there are no streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in the hot water. Let this mixture cool slightly.
7. Step 7: Pour the cooled espresso mixture into the cake batter and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. The batter will be rich and fragrant.
8. Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Baking the Perfect Spice Cake with Chai and Coffee

Bake your spice cake with chai and coffee for 30-35 minutes at 325°F (163°C). You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and smell wonderfully spiced.

Making the Espresso Caramel Buttercream

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a clean bowl, cream together softened butter (if using for buttercream, not in recipe above) with powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the cooled espresso. Gently swirl in the caramel sauce for a beautiful marbled effect. This creates the perfect topping for your dirty chai cake recipe.

Pro Tips for the Best Dirty Chai Spice Cake

Want to elevate your baking game? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned that make this cake truly exceptional:

• Always use good quality espresso powder for the deepest coffee flavor. You can find out more about the benefits of coffee and espresso on Healthline.
• Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; this keeps the cake tender.
• Ensure your butter, eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth, emulsified batter.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting. Trust me, attempting to frost a warm cake is a recipe for disaster!

What’s the secret to a moist Dirty Chai Spice Cake?

The secret to a wonderfully moist cake is using a combination of ingredients that add fat and moisture. The sour cream and buttermilk are crucial here, providing richness and tanginess that keeps the crumb incredibly tender, making it the best moist dirty chai spice cake.

Can I make Dirty Chai Spice Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can bake the cake up to two days in advance and store it, unfrosted, at room temperature, tightly wrapped. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before frosting. For more baking inspiration, check out our recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes when baking a Dirty Chai Cake Recipe?

A common mistake is overmixing the batter, which leads to a tough cake. Also, make sure your oven is accurately preheated and that you’re using room temperature ingredients for optimal results. These simple steps prevent common pitfalls in any dirty chai cake recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Dirty Chai Spice Cake

This delightful cake is perfect on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple accompaniments. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes a wonderful contrast to the warm spices and coffee notes. For a truly decadent experience, consider pairing a slice with a warm mug of actual dirty chai latte – it’s a match made in heaven! This spice cake with chai and coffee also shines at brunch alongside some fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait. If you enjoy this, you might also like our jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole.

Nutrition Facts for Dirty Chai Spice Cake

This recipe yields 8 servings of delicious dirty chai spice cake. Please note that these are approximate values. For more information on nutritional data, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s FoodData Central.

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion size.

How to Store and Reheat Dirty Chai Spice Cake

Once your delicious dirty chai spice cake is completely cool, it’s time to think about storage. For enjoying this treat over the next few days, store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, the refrigerator is your best bet. Tightly cover the cake or individual slices with plastic wrap, then foil, and it will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For even longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let frozen slices thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If reheating refrigerated cake, you can gently warm slices in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. You might also enjoy our fried meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dirty Chai Spice Cake

What is Dirty Chai Spice Cake?

A “dirty chai” traditionally refers to a chai latte with a shot of espresso added, giving it a richer, bolder flavor. This dirty chai spice cake applies that concept by infusing a classic chai-spiced cake with the robust taste of espresso, creating a wonderfully complex and satisfying dessert. It’s the perfect marriage of warm spices and coffee.

Can I make a Vegan Dirty Chai Spice Cake?

Absolutely! To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter sticks, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for the buttermilk and heavy cream, and replace the sour cream with a vegan sour cream alternative or plain unsweetened vegan yogurt. Ensure your caramel sauce is also vegan. For other vegan options, explore our zucchini noodle chicken alfredo (ensure vegan modifications are made).

Can I make a Gluten-Free Dirty Chai Spice Cake?

Yes, you can! To create a gluten-free dirty chai spice cake, simply swap out the cake flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, so start with the recommended amount and add a little more if the batter seems too thick. Baking times may also vary slightly.

Variations of Dirty Chai Spice Cake You Can Try

Ready to get creative with your dirty chai spice cake? There are so many fun ways to adapt this recipe! For a lighter take, consider trying a gluten-free dirty chai spice cake by using a quality gluten-free flour blend. If you’re catering to dietary needs, a vegan dirty chai spice cake is totally achievable by swapping dairy for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. You could also experiment with different baking methods, perhaps even making cupcakes for individual treats. For a flavor twist, try adding a handful of chopped chocolate chips or even some finely chopped candied ginger directly into the batter for an extra pop of spice and texture. You can find more delicious recipes on our recipes page.

Print