Chai Cake

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 350ºF. Line bottom and side of round pan, 8x1 1/2 inches, with cooking parchment paper. Grease paper with shortening; lightly flour. Place tea bags in boiling water in measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, squeezing liquid into measuring cup. Add enough water to tea to measure 2/3 cup. Measure 1/2 cup tea for cake; reserve 2 tablespoons tea for glaze.
• 2

  In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, the salt, ginger, cardamom and cloves; set aside. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar and 1/2 cup butter with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until fluffy. Beat in eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with 1/2 cup tea until smooth. Pour into pan.
• 3

  Bake 28 to 33 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• 4

  Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in all remaining ingredients until smooth. Spread Chai Glaze over top of cooled cake, allowing some to drizzle down side. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon.