Craving a rich, indulgent dessert that melts in your mouth? My Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!
This twist on the classic Mexican tres leches cake combines the light, airy texture of the original with the deep, rich flavors of chocolate.
It’s soaked in a creamy mixture of three types of milk, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Topped with a velvety whipped chocolate cream, it’s a showstopper that will leave your guests asking for more!
Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cake will quickly become your go-to dessert. It’s easy to make, yet looks and tastes like something you’d find at a fancy bakery. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed strong hot coffee
For the Milk Filling:
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups very cold heavy cream
Required Kitchen Tools
Before we get started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools to ensure a smooth baking process:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of large mixing bowls for the cake batter and the milk filling.
- Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer will help you achieve the perfect cake batter and whipped cream topping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to making this cake just right.
- 9×13 Baking Dish: This size is perfect for baking the cake and allowing the milk filling to soak in thoroughly.
- Piping Bag (Optional): If you’d like to pipe the whipped cream topping for a more decorative finish, a piping bag will make the job easier.
- Cooling Rack: Once the cake is baked, you’ll want to cool it properly before soaking it in the milk filling.
Cake Preparation: How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Cake
Making the cake base for your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is the first step to achieving that moist, chocolatey goodness. This cake is tender, fluffy, and perfectly chocolatey, thanks to the rich cocoa powder and the addition of hot coffee, which deepens the flavor.
Mixing the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish and dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to make sure everything is well mixed.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Now, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed using an electric mixer or a whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
The secret ingredient? The hot coffee. Slowly pour in the freshly brewed coffee and mix it into the batter. The coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a slightly runny batter, which helps the cake turn out wonderfully moist.
Baking the Cake
Once the batter is ready, pour it into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have risen beautifully and be slightly firm to the touch.
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step—allowing the cake to cool slightly will make it easier to absorb the milk filling.
Soaking the Cake: The Secret to a Moist Tres Leches Cake
The key to a perfect Chocolate Tres Leches Cake lies in the milk filling. This cake doesn’t just have frosting; it’s soaked in a delicious mixture of three types of milk that give it its signature texture—super moist, rich, and incredibly decadent. The milk soak is what transforms the cake into the luscious treat we all crave!
Preparing the Milk Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half, evaporated milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Make sure everything is mixed well, and the cocoa powder dissolves completely. This will create a creamy, chocolaty soaking liquid that perfectly complements the cake.
Soaking the Cake
Once the cake has cooled slightly, it’s time to soak it with the milk mixture. Use a fork or toothpicks to poke several holes all over the cake. This helps the milk soak in evenly and ensures every bite is rich and moist.
Slowly pour the milk filling over the cake, making sure to cover every corner. You’ll notice the cake will start to absorb the liquid quickly. Be patient and let the cake soak for about 20-30 minutes. If you have the time, I recommend letting it sit for 1-2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful and moist it becomes.
Once the cake has absorbed the milk filling, it’s ready for the next step—whipping up that irresistible chocolate whipped cream topping!
Whipped Cream Topping: The Perfect Finish
No tres leches cake is complete without a fluffy, indulgent topping. The chocolate whipped cream is the crowning glory of this dessert. It’s light, sweet, and adds an extra layer of richness that perfectly complements the moist cake.
Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping
To make the whipped cream, start by chilling a large mixing bowl and the beaters of your mixer in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Cold equipment helps the heavy cream whip up better and faster.
In your chilled bowl, combine the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder. Then, pour in the cold heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will turn into butter! You want the whipped cream to be smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping onto your cake.
Decorating the Cake
Once the whipped cream is ready, spread it evenly over the top of the soaked cake using a spatula. You can be generous with the whipped cream to ensure each bite has a luscious topping. If you want to get a bit fancy, you can transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag and pipe decorative swirls or rosettes around the edges.
Final Touches
For the finishing touch, you can sprinkle some shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the whipped cream. This adds a nice visual contrast and extra chocolate flavor.
Serving and Storage
Serving the Cake
This Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is best served chilled. The milk soak makes it incredibly moist, and the whipped cream topping provides a light, creamy contrast. Cut into squares and enjoy!
How to Keep Your Cake Fresh
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days. In fact, it gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and the cake becomes even more moist!
Freezing the Cake
If you want to freeze your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake, it’s best to freeze it before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then top with freshly whipped cream before serving.
Conclusion
There you have it—your very own Chocolate Tres Leches Cake! Rich, moist, and topped with a luscious whipped chocolate cream, this cake is sure to be a hit at any celebration or as a special treat just for you. It’s the perfect combination of chocolate and creaminess with that signature tres leches soak that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
The best part? It’s easier to make than it looks, and once you’ve made it, you’ll be hooked on its indulgent flavors. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress!
