Pumpkin Chai Spice Cake

Easy, semi-homemade spiced cake with pumpkin and chai spices. You’ll love the doctored up box mix and frosting mix that make this pumpkin chai spice cake taste homemade!

Pumpkin Chai Spice Cake on a plate

Pumpkin Chai Spice Cake

The past few weeks I’ve fallen in love with pumpkin chai. They seem to be the new favorite drink this year, and I can definitely see why!  This cake is an easy dessert that is great for last-minute get togethers or just to satisfy a sweet craving. The kids will have fun making this one since it starts with a cake mix.

What is chai spice?

Traditional chai spice is made up of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and sometimes peppercorns. What does chai taste like? It may seem similar to pumpkin spice, but it has cardamom which gives it a strong, spicy flavor. It pairs so well with pumpkin!

Doctored Up Cake Mix

Here’s how to make this cake. First, grab a white cake mix. Then let’s talk about how we’re going to doctor up this cake mix.

  • Take some cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks. Pop open the cardamom pods and place them and the cinnamon in a pot with 1 ¼ cups water. Allow it to boil softly for 5 minutes. This is just enough time to flavor the water. Allow the water to cool before you add it to the cake mix.
  • Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree to the cake mix. Be sure to use solid pack pumpkin and not the pumpkin that is already flavored.
  • Add nutmeg and cinnamon to the cake mix.
  • Be sure to grease and flour the baking pan…especially if you are using round cake pans and want to turn the cake out of the pan.

how to make pumpkin chai spice cake

9×13 Sheet Cake or Layer Cake

We chose to make this cake in a 9×13 baking pan, but you can use 2 8″ round cake pans if you’d like. Watch the baking time. It won’t take quite as long to bake the round cake layers. You’ll know the cake is done when the center of the cake bounces back when you touch it.

easy pumpkin spice cake mix in a baking pan

Chai Pumpkin Spice Frosting

The frosting for this pumpkin chai spice cake has never been easier. Use your favorite brand of store bought frosting (or use about 2 cups of homemade vanilla buttercream). Mix in the pumpkin, nutmeg and cinnamon. That’s it! Once the cake is cooled you are ready to frost the cake.

unmixed easy chai spiced frosting

Other Unique Cake Mix Recipes

fall flavored cake with pumpkin
fall flavored cake with pumpkin

Pumpkin Chai Spice Cake

5 from 1 vote
Easy, semi-homemade spiced cake with pumpkin and chai spices. You'll love the doctored up box mix and frosting mix that make this fall cake taste homemade!
Servings 15
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
 

For the Cake:

For the frosting:

  • 12 ounces whipped vanilla icing (1 tub)
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

For the Cake:

  • Push down on each cardamom pod, causing it to crack.
  • Add pods with cinnamon sticks and water in a small pot.
  • Simmer over low-medium heat for 5 minutes.
  • Allow to cool and come to room temperature.
  • Scoop out pods and sticks and discard them.
  • Once the spiced water is cooled, preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Grease a 9x13 rectangular cake pan. Set aside.
  • Add cake mix to a large bowl.
  • To that, add ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Mix until incorporated.
  • Add eggs, oil, pumpkin puree, oil and spiced water.
  • Using a stand or hand mixer, mix for 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour into greased cake pan.
  • Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

For the frosting:

  • Whip all ingredients until combined.
  • Set aside in refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Frost the cake once it is cooled.

Notes

The calories shown are based on the cake being cut into 15 pieces, with 1 serving being 1 slice of cake. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information.**

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 3865IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1.5mg
Author Julie Clark
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 297
Keyword easy pumpkin cake, pumpkin cake, pumpkin chai, pumpkin spice, thanksgiving cake

A close up of a slice of cake on a plate, with Spice cake

About Julie Clark

We are Julie, Maddie, and Kinslee – a mother and daughter team sharing with you the best cakes to satisfy any need or sweet craving that you may have. Welcome to our family’s kitchen!

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