A simple vanilla sheet cake filled with warming chai spices is the base for this easy layered chai cake. One sheet cake cut into three pieces forms a no-fuss and simple layer cake frosted and filled with a creamy and smooth chai buttercream.
12tablespoons (168 grams)unsalted butterroom temperature
3largeeggsroom temperature
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
½cupsour cream
½cupmilkwhole or 2%
Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
8oz (448 grams)cream cheeseroom temperature
10tablespoons (140 grams)unsalted butterroom temperature
1teaspoonvanilla
1teaspooncinnamon
½teaspoonginger
½teaspooncardamom
⅛teaspoonnutmeg
⅛teaspooncloves
¼teaspoonkosher salt
3cups (360 grams)powdered sugar
Instructions
Cake
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the two long sides.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside.
In a stand mixer or in a large bowl and a hand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar for about 4 minutes, until light and fluffy on medium/medium high speed.
Add the eggs, mixing well and scraping the sides of the bowl.
In a small bowl or pourable measuring cup, whisk together sour cream, milk and vanilla. Set aside.
Starting with the dry ingredients, add about ⅓ to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
Add half of the milk and mix well. Continue alternating dry and wet ingredients, ending with the dry ingredients. Stir only until the dry ingredients just disappear. Don’t overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Frosting
In a stand mixer or using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla, spices and salt and mix until combined. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
Assembly
Once the cake is cooled completely, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Set the cake on a flat surface.
Evenly divide the cake into three pieces, each piece measuring 9 inches wide by a little less than 4.5 inches.
Place the first layer on a serving platter and top with frosting. Repeat with the next two layers.
Frost the top and sides of the cake. If you are wanting to do the semi-naked look of the cake in the pictures, see the blog post for more details.
Notes
Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered for up to 4-5 days.