Pumpkin Chai Spice Cake

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Pumpkin Chai Spice Cake is the cozy fall treat you’ve been craving. It’s super easy to make**, perfect for both baking beginners and pros. The rich pumpkin and chai flavors melt together for a sweet, spiced delight. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing** while it’s baking!

Recipe

This Pumpkin Chai Spice Cake is a delightful fusion of warm chai spices and the comforting flavor of pumpkin, perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy evenings. Combining moist pumpkin puree with aromatic spices, this cake is topped with a creamy frosting for a balanced and indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp ground cardamom

¼ tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

½ cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tbsp milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If needed, add milk to reach desired consistency. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

Notes:

• For a stronger chai flavor, steep chai tea bags in warm buttermilk for 5 minutes before straining and using.
• Substitute pumpkin pie spice for individual spices if preferred.

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Serving: 12 slices

Nutrition

This delightful pumpkin chai spice cake is not only flavorful but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my pumpkin chai spice cake with a rich cream cheese frosting—it’s the perfect balance of sweet and spiced. A warm chai latte or spiced apple cider makes a cozy companion, especially on chilly days. These combinations turn a simple cake into a comforting treat I can’t resist.

Cream Cheese Frosting Pairings

Ever wondered what else you can serve with cream cheese frosting to make your dessert even more special? I love experimenting with cream cheese flavors, like adding a hint of vanilla or a touch of citrus zest for a fresh twist. If you’re looking for frosting alternatives, try pairing it with cinnamon-spiced cookies or gingersnap bars for a comforting combo. I’ve also found it works beautifully with banana bread or zucchini muffins—it’s like a match made in dessert heaven. Don’t be afraid to get creative; sometimes, the simplest pairings can turn an ordinary treat into something unforgettable.

Warm Beverage Companions

Now that we’ve covered delicious pairings for cream cheese frosting, let’s talk about the perfect warm drinks to enjoy with your pumpkin chai spice cake. For me, cozy drinks like a classic chai latte or a creamy pumpkin spice latte are a must—they complement the cake’s flavors so well. I also love experimenting with chai variations, like adding a dash of cinnamon or swapping regular milk for oat milk. A simple cup of spiced apple cider or even a frothy hot chocolate can make the experience extra special. These drinks turn a slice of cake into a comforting, indulgent treat.