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    The Heirloom Pantry » Sweets

    Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

    Published: Nov 20, 2023 by Kathleen Higashiyama · The following content may contain paid links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

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    Chai cream cheese frosting Pinterest pin.

    Chai Cream Cheese Frosting is a velvety, creamy spread with the flavors of warm, aromatic chai spice. Prepared in minutes, this delectable frosting elevates cakes, cupcakes, waffles, and more with its unique sweet and enticing flavor.

    Homemade chai cream cheese frosting being spread on a carrot cake.

    We love to make a batch of this chai frosting then enjoy it for a few days on various desserts and sweets. Our chai spiced frosting combines the traditional creaminess of cream cheese frosting with the distinct aroma of chai spice. Trust us, once you have this chai spiced frosting, you won't want normal frosting again!

    Looking for other frosting recipes? Check out our Vanilla Mascarpone Frosting.

    Jump to:
    • About Chai Frosting
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions/Variations
    • Instructions
    • What to Serve with Chai Frosting
    • Storage
    • Top Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Did You Like This Recipe?
    • Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

    About Chai Frosting

    • Taste - This frosting is buttery with a warm accent.
    • Texture - It is perfectly velvety and fluffy.
    • Time - This frosting recipe is easy. It takes just 5 minutes to whip up.
    • Effort - This frosting requires minimal effort. All you need to do is whisk the spices and whip the other ingredients.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for chai cream cheese frosting, chai spice mix, cream cheese, butter, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar.

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • Cream cheese - Cream cheese is the base of the frosting.
    • Butter - Butter makes the frosting extra rich.
    • Powdered sugar - Powdered sugar provides extra sweetness.
    • Vanilla - Vanilla adds complexity and sweetness to the frosting.

    Chai Spice

    • Cinnamon - Cinnamon has a warm and woodsy flavor.
    • Ginger - Ginger provides a pungent spice.
    • Cardamom - Cardamom is a sweet aromatic with a little spice.
    • Nutmeg - Nutmeg provides a nutty sweetness.
    • Cloves - Cloves are warm, spicy, and pungent.
    • Allspice - Allspice adds a unique earthiness.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Substitutions/Variations

    • Store-bought chai spice - Use store-bought chai spice instead of making your own to save time.
    • Chocolate chai frosting - Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to make the spread chocolatey.

    Instructions

    Steps to make chai cream cheese frosting, whip the butter, cream cheese, vanilla; add powdered sugar, salt, and spices until fluffy.
    • Whisk spices - Whisk all of the spices together in a bowl.
    • Whip ingredients - Whip the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. (Photo 1)
    • Add dry ingredients - Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, salt, and spices to the frosting and whip on high for 15 seconds. (Photo 2 and 3)
    • Use - Put the frosting in the fridge until ready to use. Enjoy on cakes, cupcakes, and more! (Photo 4)

    Pro tip - Add more powdered sugar to the frosting to make it stiff if you plan to pipe it.

    What to Serve with Chai Frosting

    This versatile frosting goes well with so many sweets! Whip up a batch to top desserts like chocolate, lemon, or carrot cakes. It is also delicious on shortcakes, skillet cookies, or ice cream. Finally, add it to French toast, pancakes, or waffles for an extra sweet breakfast.

    Storage

    Refrigerate leftover frosting in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can also freeze this cream cheese frosting for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

    Top Tips

    • If the cream cheese frosting gets too soft, chill it in the refrigerator to make it easier to spread.
    • Add more chai spice mix to enhance the chai flavor.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do I pipe chai cream cheese frosting?

    Add more powdered sugar to make the frosting firm then transfer it to a piping bag and frost it onto your desired dessert.

    What is chai frosting?

    Chai frosting is cream cheese frosting mixed with chai spice. The result is a sweet and decadent frosting with warmth and a little spice.

    Can I make cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make this frosting up 1 week ahead of time, just kept in an airtight container. When you are ready to use it, lightly whisk or stir it to get it back to its original consistency.

    Chai cream cheese frosting in a mixing bowl with a handheld electric mixer.

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    Did You Like This Recipe?

    Love this chai cream cheese frosting? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below & consider leaving a comment below. Thanks!

    Sign up for THP's newsletter and keep in touch on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube. If you make this recipe, tag #theheirloompantry so we can see your homemade chai frosting!

    Homemade chai cream cheese frosting being spread on a carrot cake.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

    Chai Cream Cheese Frosting is velvety, creamy spread with the flavors of warm, aromatic chai spice. Prepared in minutes, this delectable frosting elevates cakes, cupcakes, waffles, and more with its unique sweet and enticing flavor.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Desserts, Sweets
    Cuisine: American, Indian
    Servings: 12
    Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

    Equipment

    • 1 Measuring spoons
    • 1 mixing bowl
    • 1 handheld electric mixer
    • 1 electric mixer with a whisk

    Ingredients 

    • 8 oz cream cheese softened
    • ½ cup butter, softened
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
    • â…› teaspoon ground cardamom
    • â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • â…› teaspoon ground cloves
    • â…› teaspoon ground allspice
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Whisk all of the spices together in a bowl.
      ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves, ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
    • Whip the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, salt, and spices to the frosting and whip on high for 15 seconds.
      8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup butter,, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • Put the frosting in the fridge until ready to use. This recipe yields enough frosting for 12 cupcakes or a single-layer cake. Double the recipe for 24 cupcakes or a layered cake.

    Notes

    Storage
    • Refrigerate leftover frosting in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can also freeze cream cheese frosting for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
    Keyword: chai cream cheese frosting, Chai frosting, chai frosting recipe
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

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