If you’re craving a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert, look no further than this Butter Tres Leches Cake.
Combining the luscious flavors of butterscotch, creamy milk, and buttery cake, this recipe is perfect for any celebration or when you simply want a sweet treat to brighten your day
The Tres Leches (three milks) soak gives the cake its signature moistness, while the buttery frosting and butterscotch ganache take it to the next level of deliciousness.
Ingredients List
Cake Ingredients
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand to bake the moist and decadent base for your Tres Leches cake.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
For the Frosting:
The frosting is the crown jewel of this Butter Tres Leches Cake, and it’s incredibly easy to make! These are the ingredients you’ll need to create a velvety-smooth topping.
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups butterscotch chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
For the Butterscotch Ganache:
This rich, velvety ganache adds a gorgeous glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Required Kitchen Tools
When making this cake, having the right tools can help make the process go smoothly, ensuring you end up with a perfectly moist and delicious Butter Tres Leches Cake. Here are the essential tools for the job:
- Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): For mixing the cake batter and frosting, an electric mixer will save you time and effort. If you don’t have one, you can mix by hand, but an electric mixer makes everything easier.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for this recipe, ensuring that your cake bakes evenly and holds all the delicious Tres Leches soak.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls—one for the cake batter, one for the frosting, and one for the ganache.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula is great for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and spreading the frosting evenly over the cake.
- Whisk: You’ll need a whisk to incorporate the dry ingredients in the cake batter and to stir together the milks for the Tres Leches soak.
These tools will help ensure that your Butter Tres Leches Cake is smooth, evenly baked, and beautifully frosted.
Cake Preparation
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, it’s time to get into the fun part—baking your Butter Tres Leches Cake! Follow these steps carefully to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth moist texture that makes Tres Leches Cake so irresistible.
Mixing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking. Set aside. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise uniformly. - Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be smooth, with a pale color. - Add Eggs and Pudding Mix:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the instant butterscotch pudding mix and mix until combined. This pudding mix gives the cake its soft, buttery texture and adds an extra layer of flavor. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Start by adding about a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk. Repeat until all the ingredients are combined, making sure to end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and well-incorporated. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Tres Leches Soak and Frosting
The magic of Tres Leches Cake lies in the milk soak. This step transforms your cake into the super-moist, irresistible dessert it’s known for. Once your cake is fully cooled, we’ll move on to soaking it and creating the buttery frosting.
Making the Tres Leches Soak
- Prepare the Milk Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the whole milk (or 2% milk), sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. The combination of these three milks is what gives the Tres Leches Cake its signature moistness. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-blended. - Soak the Cake:
Using a fork or a skewer, poke several holes all over the surface of the cooled cake. This will help the milk soak penetrate evenly throughout the cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring that it soaks into the cake and covers all areas. Be patient as the cake will absorb the milk gradually, so take your time. Allow the cake to sit and absorb the liquid for about 15-20 minutes.
Preparing the Frosting
- Melt the Butterscotch Chips:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the butterscotch chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until completely melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before using it in the frosting. - Cream the Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer for this step, which will only take about 2-3 minutes. The butter should be light in texture and pale in color. - Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar has been added, increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. - Add the Vanilla and Cream:
Beat in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until well-combined and smooth. The frosting should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency. - Incorporate the Butterscotch Chips:
Finally, add the melted butterscotch chips into the frosting and mix until fully incorporated. This adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the cake perfectly.
Assembling and Decorating the Butter Tres Leches Cake
Now that the cake is soaked and the frosting is ready, it’s time to put everything together! The final steps will transform your Butter Tres Leches Cake into a stunning dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Frosting the Cake
- Spread the Frosting:
Once the cake has absorbed all the Tres Leches soak and the milk mixture has settled in, it’s time to spread the frosting. Using a spatula, gently spread the butterscotch frosting over the top of the cake, starting from the center and working your way out to the edges. Be sure to cover the entire surface, creating an even layer. - Smooth the Top:
Once the frosting is spread, use the spatula to smooth out the top. You can create gentle swirls or leave it smooth, depending on the look you prefer. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can also pipe the frosting into decorative patterns or rosettes around the edges of the cake for a more refined presentation.
Making the Butterscotch Ganache
- Prepare the Ganache:
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (don’t let it boil). Remove it from the heat and add the butterscotch chips. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. - Drizzle the Ganache:
Let the ganache cool slightly before drizzling it over the frosted cake. You can use a spoon or a squeeze bottle to create a beautiful drizzle effect, allowing the ganache to flow down the sides of the cake.
Final Touches
- Add Toppings (Optional):
If you want to elevate your Butter Tres Leches Cake even further, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or a few extra butterscotch chips on top for texture. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few sprigs of fresh mint can also add a nice touch. - Chill Before Serving:
For the best results, let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if you have the time). This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it even more refreshing when served.
Serving and Enjoying
Now that your Butter Tres Leches Cake is beautifully frosted and garnished, it’s ready to be served! Cut into squares and enjoy the soft, buttery texture, the creamy milk soak, and the rich butterscotch flavor in every bite. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Butter Tres Leches Cake Fresh
This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake will continue to absorb the milk soak over time, making it even more moist and flavorful.
Freezing Butter Tres Leches Cake
If you have leftover cake or want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze the Butter Tres Leches Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect Butter Tres Leches Cake is an enjoyable process that rewards you with an indulgent dessert everyone will love. The rich butterscotch flavor, the creamy milk soak, and the smooth frosting combine to create a treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself to something sweet, this cake delivers on flavor and texture every time. So, get your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure dessert heaven!
