The Best Spiced Chai Cake Recipe – No Frosting Needed!

Tuck into this easy spiced vanilla chai cake

The quintessential chai routine in an Indian household must have chai accompanied by biscuits. But on special days, there is cake. A simple vanilla cake baked in a pressure cooker (because no ovens back then!) or wrapped in butter paper from a local bakery. And then there are the stories that accompany this cup of chai. This 4 pm chai was introduced to India by the British in the mid-1800s, when, like the many smuggleries conducted by them, a few tea saplings made it back to India, and thus was born the beloved afternoon tea routine.

Don’t forget to check out my recommendations to make the perfect cup of chai for your chai cake or just chai!

Here is my recipe for a spiced vanilla chai cake that combines the best of the afternoon chai – spices, chai, and vanilla. This and steaming cups of chai are all you need for the perfect setting. Here are some links to things that will make your chai extra special.

To make the chai, you will need a few things –

Chai – I use Tata Gold Tea

Equipment – special chai filter (a regular strainer won’t work as some chai powders/leaves can have fine sediments)

Any pot should work to brew the tea.

If you plan to make chai, make a brew using 1/2 to one spoon of chai (depending on the strength) per person in a pot of boiling water (ratio of 1/2 cup water to 1/2 cup milk per person). Add milk. Let it simmer until a nice reddish-brown color has been achieved. You don’t need special cups for chai. But I love having my daily chai out of stainless steel tumblers. Yes. As crazy as it sounds, something about the taste differs when you drink chai out of stainless steel as opposed to ceramic or clay. But if you’re feeling fancy, here are some cups I highly recommend (Yes, they run a little pricey) – Sara Miller London India Courtyard Mug and Spode Morris & Co Mugs

Serve small slices of this beautiful cake with whipped cream, fruit and chai. Enjoy!