About the Recipe
This Chai-Vanilla Marble Bundt Cake is the perfect blend of cozy chai spices and classic vanilla sweetness, all swirled together in one stunning dessert. Whether you're a fan of chai lattes or simply love the idea of a cake that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is for you. The delicate marbled effect not only looks beautiful but also gives each bite a delightful mix of flavors, making it ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. With its moist, tender crumb and rich aroma, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, it's easy enough to whip up even if you're new to baking, yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family!
Warm, Cozy Flavors: Infused with chai spices and vanilla, this bundt cake offers a warm, comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for cozying up with during cooler weather.
Moist and Tender Crumb: The chai vanilla bundt cake is wonderfully moist with a tender crumb, making each slice soft and satisfying, ideal for afternoon tea or dessert.
Elegant Presentation: The bundt shape gives this cake a beautiful, sophisticated look that’s perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Aromatic and Flavorful: From the moment it starts baking, this cake fills your kitchen with an enticing blend of spices that hint at the deliciousness to come.
Easy One-Bowl Recipe: This bundt cake recipe comes together in just one bowl, simplifying the cleanup while giving you maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the chai spice blend to suit your preference, whether you like a subtle hint of spice or a bolder, aromatic flavor.
What You'll Love
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups butter (300g), softened
2 1/4 cups sugar (450g)
7 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk (3 dl / 300 ml)
5 cups flour (600g)
4 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons chai spices* (1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground cardamom, ¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves, pinch of black pepper)
Optional: 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Chai-Spiced Milk:
3 chai tea bags (steeped in the milk)
Preparation
Looking for the perfect dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of chai with the timeless appeal of vanilla? This Chai-Vanilla Bundt Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the cozy spices found in a chai latte—think cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—all blended into a moist, tender cake. The marbled pattern not only adds visual appeal but also lets you enjoy the best of both worlds: sweet vanilla and spiced chai in every bite.
Whether you're searching for an impressive cake to serve at a family gathering, holiday dessert ideas, or a special birthday cake, this Bundt cake fits the bill. It’s easy to make, and the chai spices give it a unique twist that stands out from traditional marble cakes. Perfect for fall and winter baking, this chai-spiced cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Key tips for making a marbled Bundt cake: Don’t be afraid to swirl the batters to get that beautiful marbled look, and make sure to fully cool your cake before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
For those who love chai-flavored desserts or are looking to bring the essence of a chai latte cake into their baking, this recipe will be a new favorite. It’s also a wonderful cake to make ahead, as it keeps well for a few days, making it perfect for holiday parties or cozy weekend baking.
Let's get started!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour your Bundt pan.
Steep the chai tea:
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (don't let it boil). Remove from heat and add the chai tea bags. Let steep for about 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and allow the milk to cool to room temperature.
Make the batter:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the cooled chai-infused milk and mix to combine.
Dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Divide the batter:
Split the batter into two equal portions.
Flavor the batters:
In one bowl, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until combined (this will be your vanilla portion).
In the other bowl, add the chai spice blend and mix well. Optionally, you can add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the chai portion if you'd like a slight chocolate swirl.
Marble the cake:
Spoon the vanilla and chai batters alternately into your prepared Bundt pan.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect.
Bake:
Bake for about 1 hour at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze:
Top the cake with a glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for extra sweetness.
1. What makes chai vanilla bundt cake unique?
This bundt cake combines the warming spices of chai (like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves) with the sweet, rich flavor of vanilla, creating a cozy, spiced cake perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
2. Can I make this chai vanilla bundt cake without a bundt pan?
Yes, but using a bundt pan gives the cake its signature shape. If you don’t have one, you can use a tube pan or two 9-inch round cake pans, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
3. How do I make my bundt cake moist?
To keep this cake moist, make sure to avoid overmixing the batter, as that can lead to a denser texture. Also, adding sour cream or Greek yogurt provides extra moisture while keeping the cake tender and flavorful.
4. Can I use a chai tea bag instead of chai spices?
Yes, steeping a chai tea bag in warm milk or water can add a subtle chai flavor if you don’t have the individual spices. However, using fresh ground spices will give a more intense and authentic chai taste.
5. How can I prevent my bundt cake from sticking to the pan?
Thoroughly grease the bundt pan with butter or oil, then dust with flour or a mixture of flour and sugar. Make sure all grooves are coated to ensure the cake releases smoothly.
6. Can I add a glaze to my chai vanilla bundt cake?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla or spiced glaze complements the cake beautifully. You can make a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk or chai tea and drizzling it over the cooled cake.
7. How long will this chai vanilla bundt cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
8. Can I make this bundt cake vegan?
Yes, you can make this cake vegan by using plant-based milk, a vegan butter substitute, and a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
9. What drinks pair well with chai vanilla bundt cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with chai tea, black tea, or a vanilla latte. For a seasonal option, serve it with hot apple cider or a cozy spiced hot chocolate.
10. Can I make mini bundt cakes with this recipe?
Yes, you can make mini bundt cakes! Simply pour the batter into a mini bundt pan, reducing the baking time to 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.