Name: Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium-sized baking apples (Honeycrisp & Gala recommended); ⅓ cup salted butter, melted; 1 ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar; 1 cup apple butter; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 4 Stash Tea, Double Spice Chai Black Tea tea bags; 1 ⅔ cup gluten free all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup finely chopped dried apples; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon milk; ¼ teaspoon Stash Tea, Double Spice Chai Black Tea leaves; ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of autumn in every bite, then this Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake is an absolute must-bake. Imagine tender apple pieces mingling with the aromatic depth of chai spices, wrapped in a moist, tender cake that’s just waiting to be sliced and enjoyed with a drizzle of chai maple icing. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and spice that fills your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance and delivers cozy vibes with every mouthful.

Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this cake lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden hue.

2 medium baking apples: Honeycrisp and Gala are ideal for their sweet-tart balance and firm texture, great for shredding and slicing.
⅓ cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture while the salt enhances all the flavors.
1 ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and a luscious chewiness.
1 cup apple butter: Brings an intense apple flavor and natural sweetness, boosting moistness.
2 eggs, lightly beaten: Help bind the cake together and create a tender crumb.
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Lifts the entire flavor profile with warmth and sweetness.
4 Stash Tea, Double Spice Chai Black Tea bags: Infuse the batter with signature chai spices for that unmistakable warm spice punch.
1 ⅔ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour: Gives structure and a soft, airy texture without gluten.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and helps create that tender crumb.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chai spice.
1 cup finely chopped dried apples: Bonus bursts of chewy apple flavor throughout.

How to Make Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F and generously greasing a 13x9x2-inch baking pan — this ensures your cake will release effortlessly after baking. Peel, core, and shred one apple using the large holes of a box grater set over a bowl; the juices will mingle beautifully with the batter later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Chai Spice

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, apple butter, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Carefully cut open your chai tea bags and add the fragrant tea leaves into the mixture, allowing those cozy spices to bloom inside the batter as you whisk.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Next, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl before whisking into the wet mixture. This ensures even distribution, making every bite just as delightful as the last.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Assemble

Gently fold in the shredded apple along with any juices from grating and the chopped dried apples, giving the batter lovely chunky texture and sweet-tart bursts. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Thinly slice about half of your remaining apple and neatly arrange the slices over the batter to create a beautiful, inviting top layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then, remove the cake to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the icing.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Chai Maple Icing

Mix the powdered sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of your chai tea leaves into a smooth, glossy icing with no lumps. Pour this over the hot cake right after it comes out of the oven, spreading evenly with an offset spatula or butter knife. Let the cake cool completely, then dust lightly with cinnamon before serving.

How to Serve Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake

Garnishes

Keep things simple but charming: a light dusting of cinnamon or ground chai spices enhances aroma and flavor without overpowering. For extra decadence, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—their creaminess pairs beautifully with the warmly spiced apple cake.

Side Dishes

This chai spiced apple sheet cake is fantastic on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full dessert experience, serve with hot chai tea or spiced coffee. A crisp autumn salad with dried cranberries and toasted nuts also balances sweetness with a refreshing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or layering pieces with frosting and chopped nuts in a trifle dish. Wrapping small squares in parchment for gifting or serving alongside warm spiced applesauce can make your presentation uniquely memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and flavorful. For longer freshness, refrigeration is an option but be sure to bring the slices to room temperature before serving to revive the texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently or serve at room temperature to enjoy all those tender chai and apple flavors.

Reheating

To warm up slices, pop them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (300° F) for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s moist, tender bite and can melt the icing slightly, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly if you are not avoiding gluten. Just keep the same quantity for the best texture.

What if I don’t have apple butter?

If apple butter isn’t on hand, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce or additional mashed apples, but this might slightly change the moistness and flavor intensity.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With some adaptations like using flax eggs and dairy-free butter, you can turn the recipe vegan, but the flavor and texture may vary a bit from the original.

How do the chai tea bags impact the cake flavor?

The chai tea infuses complex spice notes like cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, giving this sheet cake its signature warm and fragrant profile that you won’t get from just ground spices.

Can I use fresh apples only without dried apples?

Yes, using only fresh apples is fine, but the dried apples add additional chewiness and concentrated sweetness that complement the fresh fruit beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake means welcoming a slice of comfort and celebration into your kitchen any time you crave that cozy fall feeling. It’s a recipe that feels special yet effortless, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo with your favorite cup of tea. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of chai spices and apples baked into one unforgettable cake!

Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 21 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chai Spiced Apple Sheet Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the warmth of chai spices with the natural sweetness of apples. Made with gluten-free ingredients and topped with a luscious chai maple icing, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful treat during the apple season.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan and set it aside to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and shred one apple using the large holes of a box grater over a bowl, capturing all the juices. Set aside this shredded apple.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, apple butter, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Add Tea Leaves and Dry Ingredients: Cut open the 4 chai black tea bags and add the tea leaves directly to the wet mixture. Then whisk in the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until just combined.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the shredded apple along with its juices and the finely chopped dried apples into the batter, maintaining a light texture.
Assemble in Pan: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Thinly slice about half of the remaining apple and arrange these slices artfully on top of the batter.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Icing while Baking: While the cake is baking, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, milk, chai tea leaves, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps.
Ice the Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven and still hot, immediately pour the chai maple icing over the top. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the icing evenly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Just before serving, dust with ground cinnamon for an extra hint of warmth and spice.

Notes

Honeycrisp and Gala apples are preferred for baking due to their balanced sweetness and texture.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour ensures this cake is suitable for those avoiding gluten.
The chai tea leaves add warm spice notes; be sure to use the Double Spice Chai Black Tea or a similar chai blend.
The cake is best served at room temperature and can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter in the icing and cake with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American