Gingerbread Chai Layer Cake with Brown-Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Gingerbread Chai Layer Cake combines the warm, cozy flavors of gingerbread cake with aromatic chai spices, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. The addition of brown-sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich sweetness that complements the spiced layers beautifully.

With its tall layers and bakery-style presentation, this cake is sure to impress your guests while being surprisingly simple to make at home.

Delicious Gingerbread Chai Layer Cake Recipe

This cake features moist gingerbread layers infused with chai spices, layered with a luscious brown-sugar cream cheese frosting. The recipe yields a stunning cake that serves 8-10 people and is perfect for holiday gatherings or special celebrations.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup molasses
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown-Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Molasses: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in molasses and vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well combined. Add vanilla and milk to achieve desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer and repeat. Top with the third layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate: Optionally, decorate with additional spices or festive toppings. Slice and serve.