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Earl Grey Tres Leches Cake Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

This Earl Grey Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Latin American dessert, infusing the traditional tres leches milk soak with aromatic Earl Grey tea. Light and fluffy sponge cake is soaked with a luscious blend of infused milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk, then topped with silky chocolate whipped cream for an elegant finish. Perfect for tea lovers seeking a unique, moist, and indulgent treat.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American fusion

Ingredients

Cake and Milk Soak

  • 1 cup milk (250 ml)
  • 3 Earl Grey tea bags
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (67 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 8 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided (100 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large egg whites

Chocolate Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream (250 ml)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (33 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (10 grams)
  • 1/4 cup grated chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Infuse Milk with Earl Grey Tea: Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepot over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat, add the 3 Earl Grey tea bags, and steep for 30 minutes. Remove tea bags, squeezing to extract liquid. Set aside 1/4 cup of this infused milk for the batter. Measure the remaining infused milk, and adjust with plain milk if needed to total 1/2 cup. Stir in evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk until well combined, then set aside for later use.
  3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Make Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with 6 tablespoons (75 grams) of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale yellow. Add vanilla extract and the reserved 1/4 cup of infused milk; mix until combined. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture, stirring just until blended.
  5. Whip Egg Whites: In a separate large bowl, beat the 3 egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add the remaining 2 tablespoons (25 grams) of granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
  6. Combine Batter and Egg Whites: Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the cake batter to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until the batter is uniform but light and airy. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake the Cake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
  8. Soak Cake with Milk Mixture: Using a fork, prick the cooled cake evenly all over. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, letting it absorb the liquid gradually before adding more. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow full absorption and flavor development.
  9. Prepare Chocolate Whipped Cream: When ready to serve, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
  10. Assemble and Serve: Spread the chocolate whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake. Sprinkle the top with grated chocolate for garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy this uniquely flavored, moist, and decadent tres leches cake.

Notes

  • Ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks but not overwhipped to maintain the lightness of the cake.
  • Steeping the milk with Earl Grey tea bags imparts a delicate citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the tres leches soak.
  • Refrigerate the soaked cake for at least an hour or overnight to maximize flavor and moisture absorption.
  • Use fresh eggs and high-quality tea bags for the best taste and texture.
  • The grated chocolate topping is optional but adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.