If you’re a fan of moist, decadent cakes and love the warm, comforting flavors of chai tea, this Chai Tres Leches Cake is a must-try!
It’s a delicious fusion of the traditional Mexican tres leches cake with the spiced richness of chai. This cake is not only incredibly moist but also packed with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
Topped with a creamy spiced cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness and spice.
Whether you’re planning a special dessert for a gathering or simply craving a comforting treat, this Chai Tres Leches Cake will surely hit the spot. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and the steps to create this showstopper cake!
Ingredients List
For the Chai Cake:
- ¾ cup (180g) milk (any kind, any fat content)
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1 and ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour (be sure to measure properly)
- ¾ cup (112g) ground flaxseed*
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (melted and allowed to cool)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup (62g) plain yogurt or sour cream (any fat content, room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces (112g) full-fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons (15-30g) milk or cream (any kind)
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this Chai Tres Leches Cake, there are a few essential tools you’ll need to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can help you mix, bake, and decorate with ease:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need several mixing bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: An electric mixer will help you blend ingredients more quickly and thoroughly, especially when mixing the wet ingredients.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan: This is the ideal size for this cake. You may want to grease and flour the pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for the success of your Chai Tres Leches Cake. Make sure to measure everything properly for consistent results.
- Cooling Rack: Once baked, let your cake cool on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
- Piping Bag (optional): If you want to pipe the frosting neatly, a piping bag is helpful, but it’s not required.
These kitchen tools will ensure that you’re well-prepared to make this delicious chai-infused cake!
Preparing the Chai Cake
Creating the base of your Chai Tres Leches Cake is the first step toward achieving a delicious, moist, and spiced dessert. Follow these easy steps to prepare the chai-infused cake batter.
Infusing the Milk with Chai Tea
Start by infusing your milk with the chai tea. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place the chai tea bags inside. Heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm (but not boiling), then allow the tea bags to steep in the milk for about 5-7 minutes. Once the milk has absorbed all the rich chai flavor, remove the tea bags and set the milk aside to cool slightly.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground flaxseed, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and baking soda. This blend of spices will give the cake its warm chai flavor and ensure that the cake has a nice, even rise. Be sure to whisk the ingredients well to avoid any clumps of dry ingredients in the final batter.
Preparing the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the yogurt or sour cream, vanilla extract, and the warm chai-infused milk. Mix everything until smooth.
Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to combine the two until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. You should have a thick, slightly pourable batter that’s well combined and free of lumps.
Baking the Chai Cake
Now that your chai cake batter is ready, it’s time to bake and get that heavenly spiced aroma filling your kitchen! Follow these steps for the perfect bake:
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Baking the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and have a slight spring when gently pressed in the middle.
Cooling the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cake onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential before soaking the cake in the tres leches mixture, as it allows the cake to absorb the liquids without falling apart.
Preparing the Tres Leches Soak and Frosting
Now that your chai cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to give it that signature tres leches soak and top it off with a spiced cream cheese frosting that will elevate the flavors to a whole new level.
Making the Tres Leches Soak
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the three types of milk: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and regular whole milk (or your milk of choice). Pour this mixture into a jug or measuring cup for easy pouring. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cooled chai cake, allowing it to soak in. The cake should absorb the milk mixture quickly, but be sure to let it sit for a few minutes to absorb as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra soak—this cake thrives on that rich, milky goodness!
Preparing the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is soaking, it’s time to make the spiced cream cheese frosting. Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, and beat until combined and fluffy. Gradually add the milk or cream to achieve your desired frosting consistency—whether you want it thicker or slightly more spreadable, you can adjust as needed.
Frosting the Cake
Once the cake has fully absorbed the tres leches mixture, spread the spiced cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula or butter knife. You can also pipe the frosting on in decorative swirls if you prefer a more polished look.
Serving and Decorating
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, consider sprinkling some extra cinnamon or a dusting of cardamom over the frosting. If you’re feeling creative, you can also decorate with some whole or ground spices, or even some chopped nuts like pistachios for crunch.
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or even overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together and for the frosting to set. Once chilled, your Chai Tres Leches Cake is ready to serve!
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Your Chai Tres Leches Cake Fresh
This Chai Tres Leches Cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing the Cake
If you want to make this cake in advance, you can freeze it before frosting. Wrap the cooled cake (without frosting) in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge and frost as usual.
Conclusion
This Chai Tres Leches Cake is the perfect fusion of two classic desserts—chai spice and the beloved tres leches cake. With its tender, milk-soaked layers and spiced cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that will surely impress your friends and family. Whether for a cozy gathering or a special celebration, this cake offers the ideal balance of warmth and sweetness.
