Chai Latte with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe
If you adore cozy, flavorful drinks that warm you from the inside out, this Chai Latte with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. It brilliantly combines a rich blend of warming spices infused into a smooth chai tea latte, crowned with a luscious, subtly sweetened whipped cream that’s been gently spiced to elevate every sip. Each element is crafted to create a comforting, indulgent experience that feels like a warm hug in a mug, perfect for chilly afternoons or anytime you crave a little aromatic escape.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Chai Latte with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe is simpler than you might think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from bringing warmth and depth to the chai spices to crafting that silky, spiced whipped cream topping.
- 1/2 cup water: The base for brewing your strong, flavorful chai tea concentrate.
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based alternative): Adds creaminess and balances the spices perfectly.
- 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves: The heart of the chai, providing bold, robust flavor.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and caramel notes.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that’s essential in chai blends, brightening the drink.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Adds a subtle, fragrant warmth with a hint of sharpness.
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger: Brings a spicy zing that lingers pleasantly.
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom: Delivers a unique floral and citrusy depth.
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg: Provides a slightly sweet and nutty warmth.
- A pinch of ground black pepper: Gives the chai a tiny kick that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: The rich foundation for the spiced whipped cream topping.
- 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (reserved): For gently infusing the whipped cream with chai flavors.
- 1 tsp honey: Adds natural sweetness while enhancing the cream’s smoothness.
How to Make Chai Latte with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix
Start by combining the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper in a small bowl. This aromatic spice blend is what transforms ordinary tea into a chai latte bursting with complex flavors. Reserve 1/4 teaspoon of this mix aside for the whipped cream topping.
Step 2: Heat Water and Add Ingredients
Bring the water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the black tea leaves or tea bag, brown sugar, and most of your spice mix. Stir occasionally so the sugar dissolves evenly, and the spices begin releasing their rich aromas.
Step 3: Brew the Chai Base
After the mixture simmers, reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk. Allow the chai to steep for five minutes; this slow infusion is what melds the flavors perfectly and creates a creamy, satisfying base for your latte.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Pour your chai through a fine strainer into a mug to catch tea leaves and any spice bits. This gives you a silky smooth chai base, ready for the heavenly whipped cream that will soon crown it.
Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream
In a cold bowl, whisk the heavy cream together with honey and the reserved spice mix until soft peaks form. This spiced whipped cream adds a velvety, fragrant layer that lifts the entire drink into something truly special and indulgent.
Step 6: Top and Garnish
Spoon or pipe the luscious spiced whipped cream atop your chai latte. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a tiny dash of cinnamon or nutmeg right on top — it adds a pretty look and a wonderful final burst of scent and flavor.
How to Serve Chai Latte with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe

Garnishes
Besides the spiced whipped cream, consider a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the aroma and give your chai latte a beautiful, inviting look. A cinnamon stick can also be a charming stirrer that infuses more warmth with every sip.
Side Dishes
This chai latte pairs wonderfully with buttery cookies, warm spiced muffins, or flaky croissants. Its warming spices complement sweet and savory treats alike, making it a perfect companion for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chai latte in a clear glass mug so the layers of spiced cream and chai are visible—a feast for the eyes before the first sip. For a special occasion, garnish with a star anise or edible flower atop the whipped cream for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover chai base, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the spiced whipped cream separate and fresh by storing it in a covered bowl; it’s best used within a day for fluffiest texture.
Freezing
The chai latte base freezes well if placed in a freezer-safe container, allowing you to enjoy this cozy drink anytime. However, the spiced whipped cream does not freeze well, as it will lose its texture and become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chai base gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the spices well distributed and the milk from scorching. Add fresh whipped cream just before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk alternatives?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk work beautifully in this recipe, lending their own unique creaminess while keeping it vegan-friendly. Just choose unsweetened versions to balance the sweetness from the brown sugar and honey.
How spicy is the chai latte?
The spice blend is warming and aromatic rather than intensely hot, thanks to the gentle balance of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and a pinch of black pepper. You can adjust the amounts or omit the pepper if you prefer a milder drink.
Is the spiced whipped cream very sweet?
The whipped cream is delicately sweetened with honey to complement the chai’s spices—just enough to enhance without overpowering, making it the perfect topping for a balanced flavor.
Can I prepare the chai latte for multiple servings?
Yes, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and brew the chai base in a larger pot. Whip the cream in batches or use a large mixer bowl for convenience.
What is the best way to get soft peaks when whipping cream?
Start with chilled heavy cream and a cold bowl to encourage volume. Whisk steadily until soft peaks form—when the cream holds a delicate point but still looks smooth. Over-whipping will turn it grainy and eventually butter-like.
Final Thoughts
If you want to treat yourself to a drink that’s soothing, flavorful, and a little bit magical, the Chai Latte with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe is a must-try. It’s like a cozy moment captured in a cup, blending spices and cream into a truly memorable experience that feels both festive and comforting. Go ahead, whip up a batch and savor each heavenly sip!
PrintChai Latte with Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe
This comforting Chai Latte recipe blends black tea with warm spices and creamy milk, topped with a lightly spiced honey whipped cream. Perfect for a cozy treat, this homemade chai latte captures the rich, aromatic flavors of traditional Indian masala chai with a creamy twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- a pinch of ground black pepper
Chai Latte
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp mixed chai spices (from above)
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp mixed chai spices (reserved from above)
- 1 tsp honey
- a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this spice blend for the whipped cream topping.
- Heat Water and Add Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the water, black tea leaves or tea bag, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and release flavors from the spices and tea.
- Brew the Chai Base: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, stir in the milk, and let the mixture steep for about 5 minutes. This allows the tea and spices to infuse fully into the creamy base.
- Strain and Serve: Pour the chai through a fine mesh strainer into a mug to remove tea leaves and any residue from the spices. Keep the strained chai warm as you prepare the whipped cream.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, honey, and the reserved 1/4 teaspoon spice mix until soft peaks form. This can be done by hand or with an electric mixer for efficiency.
- Top and Garnish: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream atop the hot chai latte. To finish, lightly sprinkle additional cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive, aromatic garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the brown sugar to your desired sweetness level or substitute with a sweetener of choice.
- Use fresh ground spices for more vibrant flavors.
- The whipped cream topping can be omitted or replaced with frothed milk for a lighter drink.
- The chai can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving, but freshly brewed is best.
Keywords: chai latte, masala chai, spiced tea, warm beverage, homemade chai, whipped cream topping, black tea latte

