Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Craving a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting? Look no further than this Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake. This creative fusion brings together the rich, creamy texture of a classic tres leches cake with the warm

spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls. The result? A mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a sweet treat on a quiet afternoon, this cake is sure to impress.

Table of Contents

Ingredients List

To create this irresistible Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients to bring the flavors to life. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

Cake Ingredients

1 package cinnamon roll dough (preferably from the refrigerated section)
3/4 cup canned sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings

Fresh sliced strawberries (if desired, for a fruity contrast)
A dusting of powdered sugar (for extra sweetness)
Cinnamon or vanilla icing (for drizzling on top)

These ingredients combine to form the base for an indulgent, cinnamon-flavored cake that’s as decadent as it is satisfying. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to bring this dessert to life.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth baking experience. Here are a few tools that will help you with this Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake recipe:

9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for the cake, giving it enough room to bake evenly and soak up all that delicious tres leches mixture.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: You’ll use this to whip the heavy cream into soft peaks for that perfect topping.
Whisk: A whisk will help blend the milks and cinnamon together, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for this recipe, especially when making the tres leches mixture.

With these tools, you’ll be well-equipped to make this delicious Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake!

Cake Preparation

Making this Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake is a simple yet rewarding process that combines two classic desserts into one. Follow the steps below to create a soft, flavorful cake with a cinnamon twist that’s soaked in a luscious tres leches mixture.

Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Base

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly once it’s in the oven.
Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the package of cinnamon rolls and arrange the rolls in your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s okay if the rolls are touching each other. Once they’re arranged, set the icing packet aside for later use. We won’t be using it in this step.
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Place the dish in the oven and bake according to the package instructions, usually for about 20 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and puffed up. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before proceeding.

Soaking the Cake

While the cinnamon rolls are cooling, it’s time to prepare the tres leches mixture that will give this cake its signature moistness and flavor.

Make the Tres Leches Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined. This rich, creamy mixture will soak into the cinnamon rolls, creating that deliciously moist texture we all crave.
Pour the Mixture Over the Cinnamon Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, use a spoon or ladle to pour the tres leches mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls. Be sure to cover every inch, allowing the milk mixture to soak into the rolls. You may need to gently press the cinnamon rolls down to help them absorb the liquid. Don’t worry if there’s extra liquid – it will soak in as the cake rests.

Topping and Decorating the Cake

Now that your Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake has absorbed the rich, creamy milk mixture, it’s time to add the finishing touches that make this dessert truly irresistible. This is the step where you can get creative with toppings and decorations to add extra flavor and texture.

Whipping the Cream

Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the remaining heavy whipping cream. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Whip until soft peaks form. This will create a fluffy, creamy topping for the cake. If you want a little sweetness in your whipped cream, feel free to add a tablespoon of powdered sugar.
Spread the Whipped Cream: Once the cake has fully absorbed the tres leches mixture (it should take about 30 minutes to an hour for the soaking process), spread the whipped cream over the top of the cinnamon rolls. Use a spatula to smooth it evenly, creating a thick, cloud-like layer of whipped cream.

Optional Toppings and Decoration

To take your Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake to the next level, here are a few optional toppings you can add for extra flavor and visual appeal:

Fresh Sliced Strawberries: For a fruity contrast, top the cake with fresh strawberry slices. This adds a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the cake.
Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, dust a light coating of powdered sugar over the top of the cake. This gives it a polished, bakery-style look.
Cinnamon or Vanilla Icing: If you want to stay true to the cinnamon roll roots, drizzle the leftover cinnamon roll icing over the whipped cream layer. This will give your cake an extra kick of cinnamon sweetness.

Chilling the Cake

After decorating your cake, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the cake is thoroughly chilled, making it even more refreshing when served.

Serving and Storing the Cake

Once your Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake has chilled and is ready to serve, it’s time to enjoy this delicious dessert! Here’s how you can serve and store your cake to keep it fresh for days.

Serving the Cake

Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into generous squares. The cinnamon rolls should be soft and tender, with the tres leches mixture infusing each bite with creamy sweetness. Serve individual portions with a dollop of whipped cream, a few slices of fresh strawberries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Pair with a Hot Drink: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. The richness of the cake and the whipped cream makes it the perfect treat to enjoy with your favorite beverage.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you will!), here’s how to keep your Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake fresh:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure it is well-sealed to prevent the whipped cream from drying out.
Freezing: You can also freeze portions of the cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake will last up to 1 month in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Tres Leches Cake is a perfect marriage of two beloved desserts: the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls and the creamy, indulgent flavor of a tres leches cake. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is guaranteed to impress. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dessert experience that’s both comforting and luxurious.