Chocolate Chai Cake:

Photo edited by: B.Dalke

      I have to say... chocolate cakes have always been a little intimidating to me. I'm not lying when I say that I have cried over too many failed chocolate cakes. But don't worry, the cake is never wasted... I offer it to the bums that live on my street. Anyway, I have been trying desperately to perfect my own signature chocolate cake recipe. After many "lesson learned" attempts, I have finally pulled together a mix of ingredients that result in the most luscious and spicy chocolate cake you have ever tasted. The addition of chai spices give this cake batter a complex and intense flavor. As the finishing touch I add a layer of frangelico frosting to bring the dessert to a whole new (and utterly delicious) level. 

Magic Ingredients:

(for the cake)

- 1/2 cup salted butter

- 1 cup sugar

- 2 eggs

- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

- 1/2 tsp almond extract

- 1/2 tsp coconut extract

- 1 tablespoon cinnamon

- 1 cup flour

- 1/2 cup cocoa powder

- 1 bag of chai tea (just the dried leaves)

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/2 cup of milk

(For the frosting)

- 1 pint heavy whipping cream

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 1 tablespoon Frangelico liquor

Let's Get Started:

1: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and dried tea leaves into a large bowl. This both combines the ingredients as well as preventing any lumps in the cake batter.

2: In a standard mixer, blend the sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, and coconut extract together until fluffy. 

3: Add the eggs into the mixer one at a time until combined. I prefer to crack each egg into a separate dish instead of directly into the batter. I wouldn't want to ruin the batter with a bad egg or a piece of shell!

4: Add the dry ingredients to the mix in batches. Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and adding the milk until everything is incorporated. 

5: Pour batter into cake pans and bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes. 

6: For the frosting: In a standard mixer whip the pint of heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and frangelico together until thickened. 

7: Frost and decorate the cake!

      This chocolate chai cake is a lovely addition to my "signature" list of cakes. You should also be sure to try my earl grey tea cake recipe by clicking here. Next on my culinary bucket list is to create a lemon poppy seed cake! 

Yours,

Nico