Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, then a Caramel Tres Leches Cake is a must-try! This unique twist on the classic Tres Leches cake combines the smooth, sweet flavor of caramel with the signature moist,

milky texture that makes Tres Leches cakes so irresistible. Layered with a luscious caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream, each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy goodness and caramel decadence.

Whether you’re planning a celebration or just want to treat yourself, this dessert will definitely impress.

Ingredients List

For the Cake

• 6 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cup (275g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder

For the Milk Syrup

• 1 can (12oz) evaporated milk
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

For the Whipping Cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Layer

• 1 ¼ cup (250g) granulated sugar
• 4 Tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right kitchen tools can make preparing this Caramel Tres Leches Cake a breeze. Here are the essentials you will need:

1. Mixing Bowls: For mixing your dry ingredients and creating the batter.
2. Hand or Stand Mixer: To whip the egg whites and heavy cream to perfection.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for each ingredient.
4. 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for a Tres Leches cake.
5. Whisk: For mixing and combining ingredients smoothly.
6. Piping Bag (Optional): If you want to decorate with whipped cream or fill any gaps.

Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth baking experience and a flawless cake every time.

Great! Here’s the second part of the Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe:

Cake Preparation: A Soft, Light Base for Your Caramel Delight

The key to a perfect Tres Leches cake is its light, airy texture, and with this recipe, you’ll achieve just that. We’ll start by preparing the cake batter, which forms the foundation for this decadent dessert. Follow these simple steps to make a cake that’s moist yet perfectly fluffy.

Mixing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Beat the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes light and airy.
3. Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your cake a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix them until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter.

Baking the Cake

1. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
3. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let the cake cool slightly before pouring the milk syrup over it, as this helps it absorb the syrup without becoming soggy.

Preparing the Caramel Milk Syrup: The Creamy Sweetness That Soaks Into the Cake

The milk syrup is the signature component of any Tres Leches cake, and this caramel-infused version takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. This syrup will soak into the cake, infusing each bite with a sweet, creamy flavor. Here’s how to prepare the syrup for the perfect Caramel Tres Leches Cake.

Making the Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the 1 ¼ cup (250g) of granulated sugar. Stir constantly as the sugar begins to melt. Be patient, and keep stirring to avoid burning the sugar. Once it’s completely melted and has turned a rich amber color, it’s time for the next step.
2. Add Butter: Carefully add the room temperature butter to the melted sugar, whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. Continue whisking until the butter is fully incorporated.
3. Add the Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while stirring continuously. This will create a smooth, velvety caramel sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring it thickens slightly. Once done, remove from heat and stir in the salt for that perfect balance of sweet and salty flavor. Set the caramel aside to cool slightly.

Creating the Milk Syrup

While the caramel cools, it’s time to prepare the three types of milk that will soak into the cake:

1. Combine the Milk Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and fully combined.
2. Blend with Caramel: Once the caramel has cooled slightly, pour it into the milk mixture, whisking to combine. This will infuse the syrup with a rich caramel flavor while maintaining the signature milky texture of a Tres Leches cake.

Assembling the Caramel Tres Leches Cake: The Final Touches

Now that the cake is fully prepared, soaked in the delicious caramel milk syrup, and ready to be topped with a fluffy whipped cream layer, it’s time to put everything together and create a stunning dessert.

Soaking the Cake

1. Pour the Milk Syrup: Once your cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to gently poke holes all over the surface. This allows the milk syrup to soak in evenly. Slowly pour the prepared caramel milk syrup over the entire cake, making sure it’s well-distributed. The cake should absorb most of the syrup, becoming incredibly moist and decadent. Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes to fully soak in the syrup.

Whipping the Cream

1. Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, pour in the 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn into butter!
2. Spread the Whipped Cream: Once the whipped cream is ready, spread it evenly over the top of the soaked cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out, creating a fluffy layer on top.

Caramel Drizzle and Decoration

1. Drizzle with Caramel: For the finishing touch, drizzle any leftover caramel sauce over the whipped cream layer, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the cake for a beautiful, glossy finish.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Once decorated, slice the cake into squares and serve. This Caramel Tres Leches Cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Conclusion: Your Caramel Tres Leches Cake Is Ready to Delight!

With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and the irresistible combination of caramel and milky sweetness, this Caramel Tres Leches Cake is truly a showstopper. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat at home, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The rich caramel sauce adds a unique twist to the classic Tres Leches cake, making it a memorable dessert every time.