This Carrot Cake + Chai Cream Cheese Frosting is the best + perfect rendition of traditional carrot cake with a twist! Not only is it completely soft + fluffy, but it’s rich in flavor from the loaded carrot flavored cake layers to the velvety chai-infused cream cheese buttercream that when paired together, really brings this cake TO LIFE! Each cake layer includes raisins, shredded coconut, walnuts, pecans, warm spices, and hints of pineapple flavor from the pineapple juice. Absolutely irresistible and is sure to become the newest celebratory tradition for the entire family with each cake slice.
Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin with this cake. It’s just SO GOOD, ya’ll. I mean the layer of flavors in just one bite will leave you absolutely obsessed.
Besides, we’re that much closer to Christmas and I know that things are heating up in terms of finding the right dessert choice for such a special occasion. Well, look no further.
Of course, you can always choose from one of our 25 Days to Christmas recipes as well! So many great options, flavor combos, and unique twists to choose from!
If you’ve been an avid reader of Orchids + Sweet Tea, then you’re aware of my fear of baking cakes. Granted, I do make them for special occasions, however, when it comes to making them for a blog (and professional and all), I am completely terrified that it won’t be perfect.
But this cake came out PERFECT. I can’t even stop raving about it. Haha.
Plus, how could you have a Fall/Winter anything without Chai? I mean, is that possible? I think not.
Speaking of chai, I recently made a few chai recipes BUT this Spiced Chai Cheesecake + Gingersnap Crust is the best rendition of chai tea latte in cheesecake form in addition to delicious ginger flavor. So much so that many of you have been incredibly OBSESSED with it!
The butter (or oil) + use of cake flour. This combo of ingredients definitely creates a beautiful soft, fluffy, + moist bite of any cake, including this carrot cake.
It’s super fluffy and moist.
Loaded with decadent carrot, spice, + tropical flavors.
Delicious and comforting in every bite.
Melt in your mouth goodness!
Can be made as a traditional 2-layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes. Your choice!
That Chai Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting is EVERYTHING.
Absolutely scrumptious.
When tightly wrapped + refrigerated, this cake can be stored for up to 5 days.
When it comes to ingredients, especially in baking, it’s always best to have cold ingredients at room temperature to ensure that the mixing process is more seamless and even. Please note that microwaving your butter last minute if you forget to leave it out at room temperature isn’t recommended. Microwaving often changes the consistency of the butter which doesn’t create a nice ‘creaminess’ when mixed.
Absolutely! You can always bake this cake the night or day before and let it cool, tightly wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use. The frosting/buttercream can also be made prior and tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge as well. When ready to serve, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, frost, and enjoy!
To store frozen (frosted or unfrosted), simply tightly wrap and cover cake and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature.
Absolutely! You can always divide the batter into two 8-inch cake pans for a nice double layer cake or into cupcake pans. The bake time will be a little less, therefore, keeping your eyes on them is super important. Also, with the cupcakes, you can use the frosting as a filling inside the cupcakes and top with the remaining chai cream cheese frosting to get double the ‘indulging experience’. Once cupcakes are baked, simply create a hole in the centers, fill them with the frosting and frost them per usual.
TIP #1: Another thing that I’ve learned about baking a cake is having the right tools. As a basic—-you should have a cake stand (preferably one that has a turnstile table), spatulas (big + small), piping bags + tips, correct baking pans and parchment paper, and if you need to get a bit more fancy—Bake Even Cake Strips (Wilton has some awesome quality ones!), which are such a genius invention.
Have no clue what these are? Whelp, you basically soak them in water before wrapping them around your cake pan while baking. These stripes ensures that your cakes don’t bake with a funny “dome” or anything. Just flat and even.
Of course, if you don’t have these strips, you can simply butter your pan and use liners along with an old trick that I’ve always done when baking—–add a small pot of water to the oven to keep things moist. Yup. It works EVERY. TIME.
TIP #2: One of the essential ingredient combos for a light, silky cake texture is baking soda and acid ingredient (usually vinegar or buttermilk if the cake calls for it). When acid and baking soda reacts, it creates bubbles and helps to create a nice rise for your baked goods, leaving an airy texture.
In the case of vegan cakes, this is usually done by adding apple cider vinegar to your milk and letting it sit for a few minutes and then later combining it with the dry ingredients (which includes baking soda). Wallah!
TIP #3: One of my latest tricks to a perfect cake has been to ensure that ALL of my dry ingredients are sifted. Trust me, ya’ll—-this works!
Making all the dry ingredients fully sifted makes things airy, as you’ve guessed it and allows everything to combine faster.
TIP #4: Never Over-mix! When creating a cake, it’s so important to add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients alternately and as soon as everything is combined very well, THAT’S IT!
Over-mixing creates a more dense cake.
This Vegan Brownie Cookie Dough Cake is the BEST THING YOU’LL EVER TASTE! Not only is it completely moist + fluffy, but it includes an airy chocolate brownie cake layered which sits in between a delicious cookie dough frosting filled with chocolate chips.
This Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake is the perfect rendition of traditional strawberry shortcake with a twist! Not only is it completely soft + fluffy, but it’s rich in flavor from vegan vanilla cake layers and comes loaded with a velvety cream cheese buttercream that when paired with this sweet strawberry filling, it’s absolutely irresistible and is sure to become the newest celebratory tradition for the entire family.
This Classic Red Velvet Cake + Cream Cheese Frosting is a healthier option to the decadent classic—Red Velvet Cake! Not only is it completely moist + fluffy, but it’s also filled with a velvety cream cheese buttercream that when paired with this fluffy cake (made with premium cocoa powder), they all work amazingly together.
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Best Carrot Cake + Chai Cream Cheese Frosting.
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