Created on September 27th, 2025 at 07:13 pm
Tea cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Its light, moist texture pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can enjoy it on its own or dress it up with a sweet frosting. This recipe offers a unique twist, making it a favorite among cake lovers.
Why Make This Recipe
You should try this tea cake because it is simple and quick to make. The warm spices give it a comforting flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen. Baking this tea cake will fill your home with a delicious aroma and create cozy memories.
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
How to Make Tea Cake
Making tea cake is easy and straightforward. You will start by mixing wet and dry ingredients separately. Then, combine them to create a smooth batter. Finally, bake until golden brown and let it cool before frosting.
Ingredients
- 180 g butter (room temperature)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 150 g dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 330 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp ground cardamom
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 240 g sour cream (room temperature)
- 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 g butter (room temperature)
- 280 g powdered sugar
- 30 g dark brown sugar
- 115 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Directions
- Chai Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking pan. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugars together. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and spices. Alternate adding the dry mix and sour cream to the wet mix. Pour the batter into the pan.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered and brown sugars. Mix well and then add the vanilla bean paste.
- Assembling: Once the cake is cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate with spices or your favorite toppings if desired.
How to Serve Tea Cake
Serve this tea cake warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite hot beverage. A slice of this cake is a great addition to any afternoon tea gathering or a sweet snack.
How to Store Tea Cake
Store any leftover tea cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months.
Tips to Make Tea Cake
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for the best results.
- Add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture.
Variation
This recipe is already complete, but you can try adding lemon zest for a citrusy flavor or swap out spices to create your own version.
FAQs
Can I use other spices in the tea cake?
Yes, you can adjust the spices according to your taste, such as adding cloves or nutmeg.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake before or after frosting. Just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
