This Chai Spice Apple Cake is a warm and cozy treat, filled with lovely apple chunks and spiced with chai goodness. It’s perfect for a rainy day or when you need a little comfort food!
Whenever I make it, my kitchen smells like a cozy cafe! I love having a slice with a cup of tea. Trust me, it’s like a hug in cake form! 🍏☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cake. If you want a gluten-free version, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well without altering the flavor much!
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and depth to your cake. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of white sugar). Coconut sugar is also a nice alternative!
Chai Spices: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg makes this cake special. You can buy chai spice mixes, or make your own. If you don’t have one spice, leave it out or replace it with a similar one.
Apples: Fuji and Gala are sweet and great options, but feel free to mix them with tart apples like Granny Smith. You can also use chopped pears for a different twist!
Yogurt or Sour Cream: They add moisture and tang. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try unsweetened almond or coconut yogurt. Applesauce can also work in a pinch!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cake Texture?
To get a cake that’s light but still moist, be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create air pockets.
- Add eggs one at a time; this helps with even mixing.
- Add flour and yogurt alternately—this keeps the batter from getting too tough or overworked.
- Once you fold in the apples, avoid stirring too much; just combine until no dry flour remains.
Remember, a toothpick should come out clean but check from the center of the cake and not just the edges!
Chai Spice Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 medium apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake requires about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 45 to 55 minutes for baking, plus a cooling time. Overall, you should plan for about 1.5 hours before it’s ready to serve, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg), and salt. This blend of spices will give your cake a wonderful aroma! Set the bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the packed brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is creamy and light, about 3–4 minutes. This step is key to creating a nice texture in your cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring you beat well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, you’ll want to alternately add the flour mixture and yogurt to the butter mixture. Start with about a third of the flour mixture, then add half of the yogurt, and repeat this process, making sure to end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, avoiding any overmixing!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold half of the sliced apples into your batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout. This will create pockets of juicy apple goodness in every slice!
7. Pour and Decorate:
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Then, take the remaining apple slices and arrange them on top of the batter in a decorative pattern. This not only looks beautiful but adds even more apple flavor to the top!
8. Bake the Cake:
Bake your cake in the preheated oven for about 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The warm aroma of chai spices will fill your kitchen!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, drizzle some caramel sauce on top before serving, and enjoy your delicious Chai Spice Apple Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt!
This lovely cake will be bursting with chai spices and tender apple slices, making it a perfect companion for your evening tea or coffee. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Gala are great for their sweetness, you can use any apple variety you like. Granny Smith apples will add a nice tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Can I Replace Yogurt with Something Else?
Yes! If you don’t have yogurt, you can use sour cream, or for a dairy-free option, try unsweetened almond milk yogurt. Applesauce can also work in place of yogurt in a pinch, but keep in mind it may slightly change the texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly covered at room temperature. If you like, add the caramel sauce just before serving for the best presentation.