Making your own Chai Cake is a fulfilling experience. Follow these steps closely to ensure a delicious outcome:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper together until well combined.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk and vanilla extract together.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Add Nuts: If you’re using nuts, gently fold them into the batter for added texture.
8. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
9. Bake: Place both pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the Cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for about 20 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.