Craving a moist, rich cake that combines the best of chocolate and the indulgent milk-soaked goodness of a Tres Leches cake? Look no further! This Chocolate Tres Leches Cake offers a luxurious twist on the traditional Latin American dessert.
Its fluffy, light chocolate cake is soaked with a heavenly blend of three kinds of milk and topped with a velvety chocolate whipped cream.
Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, cocoa richness, and smooth creaminess—ideal for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood for a treat that truly impresses.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to elevate your dessert game, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The beauty of Tres Leches cakes lies in their texture—moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. The chocolate variation takes it to the next level, making it perfect for both chocolate lovers and Tres Leches enthusiasts.
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g), divided
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Tres Leches Mixture:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 ounces shaved semisweet chocolate, for topping
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the right kitchen tools to help make your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake a smooth and enjoyable process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hand or Stand Mixer: You’ll need this to whip the egg whites and cream to the right consistency. A stand mixer is particularly helpful for hands-off whipping.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The ideal size to bake the cake and allow the Tres Leches mixture to soak in.
- Mixing Bowls: For separating and mixing ingredients, you’ll want at least two medium-sized bowls.
- Whisk: A whisk will come in handy for mixing the dry ingredients and the Tres Leches mixture.
- Piping Bag or Spatula: To spread the whipped chocolate cream topping evenly over the cake.
Having these tools on hand will ensure that your cake comes out perfectly every time, so make sure to gather them before you start!
Cake Preparation: Mixing and Baking the Chocolate Cake
The first step to making this decadent Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is preparing the moist chocolate base. This step involves separating the eggs and carefully folding them to create a light, fluffy texture. Follow these steps for a deliciously soft and chocolatey cake.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to eliminate any clumps in the cocoa powder and ensures that all the dry ingredients are well-distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the granulated sugar (100g) until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You can use a hand or stand mixer for this step. Add the vanilla extract and whole milk and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.
Step 4: Whip Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar (100g) while continuing to beat until the egg whites are glossy and hold firm peaks.
Step 5: Fold the Egg Whites into the Batter
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whites; the goal is to keep as much air in the batter as possible, which will give the cake its light texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Soaking the Cake with the Tres Leches Mixture
Once the chocolate cake has cooled, the real magic happens when it soaks up the deliciously creamy Tres Leches mixture. This step is what makes Tres Leches cakes so irresistibly moist and flavorful. By combining three different types of milk with cocoa powder, this mixture will infuse the cake with a rich, milky sweetness that complements the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Step 1: Mix the Tres Leches
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk until smooth. Then, sift in the cocoa powder to ensure no lumps remain, stirring until fully incorporated. The cocoa powder will give the milk mixture a subtle chocolatey richness that perfectly complements the cake.
Step 2: Soak the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or a skewer to poke small holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the Tres Leches mixture to soak in evenly and give the cake its signature moistness. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it soaks into every nook and cranny. You may notice the cake initially absorbing the liquid, but don’t worry—there will still be some milk left on top to ensure it soaks in completely.
Let the cake rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or even better, overnight in the fridge. The longer the cake sits, the more deliciously soaked and creamy it becomes, so don’t rush this step.
Whipping the Chocolate Cream Topping
While your cake is soaking up the Tres Leches mixture, it’s time to prepare the luscious chocolate whipped cream topping. This chocolatey, fluffy layer adds the perfect finishing touch to your cake, balancing the richness of the soaked cake with a creamy, airy texture.
Step 1: Prepare the Whipped Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk these ingredients together until soft peaks form. You can use a hand or stand mixer for this—just be careful not to over-whip, as this can cause the cream to separate.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Once your whipped cream has reached the right consistency, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a subtle flavor that complements the chocolate without overpowering it.
Step 3: Spread the Topping
Using a spatula or piping bag, spread the whipped chocolate cream evenly over the top of your soaked cake. You can make the topping as thick or as thin as you prefer. If you’re feeling fancy, use the piping bag to create decorative swirls or rosettes.
Adding the Final Touch: Chocolate Shavings
To take your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake to the next level, add some shaved semisweet chocolate on top of the whipped cream. This adds both a touch of elegance and a little extra chocolate flavor. Simply use a vegetable peeler to shave the chocolate into delicate curls or shavings and sprinkle them over the cake.
Once decorated, this cake is ready to be served! The combination of rich chocolate flavor, milky soak, and fluffy whipped topping creates a dessert that’s sure to wow anyone who tries it.
Serving Your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
Now that your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is beautifully prepared, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! The best part of this dessert is that it’s even better the day after, once the milk mixture has had plenty of time to soak in and the flavors have developed. However, it’s just as delicious fresh, so whether you make it ahead or serve it immediately, you’re in for a treat.
Step 1: Slice and Serve
Cut the cake into squares or slices, and serve chilled. The soaked cake will be incredibly moist, so a sharp knife will help you cut clean slices without making a mess. For an elegant presentation, you can add a sprig of mint or a few extra chocolate shavings on top of each piece.
Step 2: Add a Side of Fresh Fruit
To balance the richness of the cake, consider serving it with some fresh fruit on the side. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a tart contrast to the sweet, creamy cake and bring a burst of color to the plate. Alternatively, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder can take the presentation up a notch.
Storage Instructions
After preparing this delicious Chocolate Tres Leches Cake, you might wonder how to store any leftovers. Thankfully, this cake stores wonderfully!
How to Keep Chocolate Tres Leches Cake Fresh
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the milk soak, it’s important to keep it chilled. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, and it can even taste better on day two or three!
Freezing Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
If you want to keep this cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. To freeze, slice the cake and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The cake will stay good in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the egg yolk mixture with the dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix. You want to keep the batter light and airy.
- Let the Cake Soak Well: Don’t rush the soaking process! Allow the cake to soak up all the Tres Leches mixture, as this is what gives it that signature moist texture.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The flavor of the cocoa powder is crucial in this recipe, so opt for a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deep, rich flavor.
- Top with Fresh Whipped Cream: For the best results, make the whipped topping fresh. While it’s tempting to use store-bought whipped cream, homemade whipped cream provides a much richer flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers and Tres Leches enthusiasts alike. The combination of a light and airy chocolate cake soaked in a creamy, sweet milk mixture, topped with decadent whipped chocolate cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, makes for a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake will definitely be the star of the show.
