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Chai Spice Loaf Cake with Vanilla Glaze

The Coziest Bake: Chai Spice Loaf Cake with Vanilla Glaze


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

The term Chai Spice Loaf Cake refers to a dessert that incorporates the traditional spice blend used in masala chai, the spiced tea beverage popular across South Asia and now the world. Unlike plain tea, masala chai relies on a specific combination of warming, aromatic spices to give it its characteristic complex flavor. When these spices are integrated into a cake batter, they elevate the simple loaf structure into something truly special.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground ginger

  • ¼ tsp ground cloves

  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom

  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream

  • ½ cup milk


Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tbsp milk

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk/yogurt, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.


2. Bake

  1. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

  2. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  3. Let cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack.


3. Make the Glaze

  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

  2. Drizzle over slightly cooled loaf.


4. Serve

  • Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

  • Optional: dust with a little cinnamon or garnish with chopped nuts.

Notes

This Chai Spice Loaf Cake with Vanilla Glaze is warm and aromatic—try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a few raisins, or a light dusting of cinnamon on top. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: ~320 kcal

Keywords: Moist Chai Cake, Spiced Tea Loaf, Homemade Chai Spice Cake, Cardamom Loaf Recipe