Irresistible Chai Tea Tres Leches Cake – A Bold & Dreamy Spiced Twist on a Classic

Oh my sweet friends… I cannot tell you how excited I am to share this one with you.

This Chai Tea Tres Leches Cake is everything you love about traditional tres leches—ultra-moist, light as air, soaked in creamy milk—BUT infused with warm chai spices that make it cozy, aromatic, and completely unforgettable.

It’s soft. It’s milky. It’s delicately spiced with cinnamon and tea. And once you take that first forkful? You’ll understand why my family asks for it every single time we host a gathering.

If you love classic tres leches and adore chai tea lattes, this cake is your new obsession.

And as always, I’ll walk you through every step like we’re baking side-by-side in my kitchen.

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Overview of This Chai Tea Tres Leches Cake

What Is It?

Tres leches means “three milks,” and traditionally it’s a sponge cake soaked in:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk

In this version, we gently steep chai tea bags into the milk mixture and add warm cinnamon for that spiced comfort flavor.

The result? A moist, creamy, lightly spiced cake that melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love It

• Incredibly moist without being soggy
• Light sponge texture
• Cozy chai flavor
• Perfect for holidays, brunches, or dinner parties
• Even better the next day

Flavor Profile

Imagine:

• Soft vanilla sponge
• Sweet milky soak
• Warm chai spice
• Fluffy whipped topping

It’s comforting and elegant at the same time.

Ingredients

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For the Sponge Cake

• 5 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chai Milk Soak

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 chai tea bags
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ground cinnamon for dusting

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 baking dish
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Fine strainer

How to Make Chai Tea Tres Leches Cake

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Step 1: Prepare the Sponge

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Separate eggs carefully.

Beat egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and thick. Add vanilla.

In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar and beat to stiff peaks.

Gently fold egg whites into yolk mixture.

Sift flour and salt over batter and fold carefully.

Pour into greased 9×13 pan.

Bake 22–25 minutes until golden and set.

Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chai Milk Soak

In a saucepan, warm the whole milk.

Add chai tea bags and steep for 10 minutes.

Remove tea bags and stir in:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Evaporated milk
• Cinnamon

Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Soak the Cake

Poke holes all over cooled cake using a fork.

Slowly pour chai milk mixture evenly over cake.

Let absorb fully.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping

Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla.

Beat to stiff peaks.

Spread evenly over chilled cake.

Dust lightly with cinnamon.

What to Serve with Chai Tres Leches

• Hot chai latte
• Espresso
• Fresh berries
• Candied pecans
• A drizzle of caramel

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the sponge
• Cool cake fully before soaking
• Pour milk slowly
• Chill overnight for best texture
• Use full-fat dairy for richness

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate covered up to 4 days.

Do not freeze (texture may change).

General Information

Tres leches originated in Latin America, but this version brings a warm chai-inspired twist. It’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings, yet light enough for spring celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it alcohol-free?
Yes, there’s no alcohol here.

Can I use homemade chai?
Absolutely.

Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes, bake in muffin tins and reduce baking time.

Can I add spices directly?
Yes, add cardamom or cloves for deeper flavor.

Conclusion

This Chai Tea Tres Leches Cake is cozy, elegant, and unbelievably moist. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special but is surprisingly simple.

If you love chai flavors, also try:

• Chai Spiced Cupcakes: https://poulef.com/chai-spiced-cupcakes
• Classic Tres Leches Cake: https://poulef.com/classic-tres-leches-cake
• Pumpkin Chai Cake: https://poulef.com/pumpkin-chai-cake
• Cinnamon Roll Cake: https://poulef.com/cinnamon-roll-cake
• Vanilla Sponge Cake: https://poulef.com/vanilla-sponge-cake

Interactive Elements

Save this recipe on Pinterest so you don’t lose it:

https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Leave a comment below:

• Are you team extra cinnamon?
• Did you chill overnight?
• Would you serve this for the holidays?

Tag me on Pinterest and share your beautiful creation!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380
Carbohydrates	45g
Sugar	32g
Fat	18g
Protein	9g
Sodium	160mg

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