This Chai Spice Apple Cake is a cozy treat that brings together warm spices and sweet apples. The flavors of cinnamon and cardamom make each bite feel like a hug!
I love how this cake fills my kitchen with a delicious aroma while baking. It’s the perfect excuse to sip on some chai tea as I enjoy a slice—it’s like the ultimate comfort combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji. For a twist, you might try Honeycrisp. If you prefer a completely different flavor, pears can also work well!
Spices: The spices used here bring that chai flavor—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and even star anise if you have it. If you’re missing one, a dash of nutmeg can add warmth too. Adjust the spices to your taste.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: I use yogurt for a moist texture, but you can substitute with applesauce or buttermilk. If dairy isn’t an option, unsweetened almond milk works in a pinch!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be good substitutes. I love the hint of coconut flavor it brings.
How Can You Ensure Your Cake is Perfectly Tender?
A key part of making this cake tender is how you mix the ingredients. Here’s a quick guide:
- When creaming the butter and sugar, beat until light and fluffy. This traps air, making it lighter.
- Mix the wet ingredients gently to avoid overmixing. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined.
- Folding in the apple gently keeps the texture light and avoids crushing them.
- Keep an eye on baking time. It can vary by oven, so check with a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
By following these tips, you’ll have a perfectly tender and delicious Chai Spice Apple Cake!
Chai Spice Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground star anise (optional)
Sugars and Butter:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
For the Apples:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Optional Topping:
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, followed by 45-55 minutes of baking time. After it bakes, let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Patience will be rewarded with a deliciously moist and fragrant cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Baking Tools:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and optional star anise. Once everything is well mixed, set the bowl aside.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes when using an electric mixer. This step is key to creating a fluffy cake!
4. Adding Eggs and Flavor:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are added, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma!
5. Incorporating Yogurt/Sour Cream:
Next, mix in the yogurt or sour cream until everything is fully combined. This will help keep your cake moist and tender.
6. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Take care not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense instead of light!
7. Adding Apples:
Gently fold in one peeled and diced apple into the batter with a spatula, being careful not to smash the pieces. This adds delicious apple flavor throughout the cake.
8. Pouring and Topping:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Take the remaining apple slices and arrange them decoratively on top. This not only looks beautiful but also gives extra apple flavor on each slice!
9. Baking the Cake:
Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
10. Cooling Down:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
11. Final Touch and Serving:
Just before serving, drizzle your beautiful cake with caramel sauce if you’d like an extra layer of sweetness. Slice it up, serve, and enjoy this beautifully spiced cake during tea time or as a cozy dessert after dinner!
Enjoy every delightful bite of your Chai Spice Apple Cake! It’s perfect for fall or any time you crave something warm and comforting!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices, you can also try Honeycrisp, Gala, or even a combination of apples for more complex flavor. Each type will bring its own sweetness and tartness to the cake.
Can I Substitute the Yogurt or Sour Cream?
Yes! If you don’t have yogurt or sour cream on hand, you can use applesauce for a healthier alternative or buttermilk for a similar texture. Unsweetened almond milk can also work in a pinch if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresher longer, you can refrigerate it, but note that it might dry out slightly. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving to keep the top looking nice and fresh!
