If your family prefers a milder spice, use a lightly spiced chai latte or dilute a stronger concentrate with extra milk before measuring the 1 1/2 cups. For a stronger chai flavor, choose a very concentrated chai latte base and use it undiluted, or warm 1 1/2 cups chai in the microwave and let a chai tea bag steep in it for 5 to 10 minutes, then cool slightly before mixing with the cake mix. You can also swap yellow cake mix for spice cake mix if you want an even deeper spice profile without adding more ingredients.
For kids who are unsure about chai, use a sweeter, creamier chai latte and cut the cinnamon down to 1 tablespoon for a gentler flavor. If you need to keep it dairy-free, choose a dairy-free chai latte made with almond, oat, or soy milk, and check that your boxed cake mix is dairy-free as well. To dress this up for a party, serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of store-bought caramel sauce (these extras are optional and not part of the base 3 ingredients).
Food safety tips: Make sure the chai latte you use has been stored in the refrigerator and is within its expiration date. Do not leave the cooked cake on the WARM setting for more than 2 to 3 hours; after serving, cool leftovers and refrigerate them in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until just warm. Always check that your slow cooker is in good working order and avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as this can extend the cook time and lead to uneven baking.
