Coffee Flavored Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Craving a coffee-infused dessert that’s soft, spongy, and utterly indulgent? Look no further than this Coffee Flavored Tres Leches Cake. A twist on the classic tres leches, this recipe infuses rich coffee flavors into the traditional cake,

resulting in a dessert that’s perfect for any coffee lover. This cake is soaked with three types of milk, making it incredibly moist, and topped with a smooth coffee-flavored whipped cream.

It’s the perfect blend of sweetness and depth from the coffee, making every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or simply because you want to enjoy a slice of something decadent, this Coffee Tres Leches Cake will not disappoint. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy yet luxurious dessert at home!

Table of Contents

Ingredients List

For the Coffee Sponge

3/4 cup all-purpose flour (100 grams)
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder (I recommend Bru for a richer flavor)
Pinch of salt (only if you’re using unsalted butter)
1/4 cup butter (55 grams), at room temperature
4 eggs, at room temperature (essential for the texture)
1/2 cup caster sugar (100 grams)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the ‘Tres Leches’ Mixture

200 ml condensed milk (approximately 3/4 cup)
200 ml evaporated milk (approximately 3/4 cup; see notes)
1/2 cup cream (125 ml; whipping or heavy cream works best)
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder

For the Topping

1/4 cup chilled whipping cream (60 ml; see notes)
1 tablespoon caster sugar
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder (for sprinkling on top)

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing this Coffee Flavored Tres Leches Cake, having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: To combine the ingredients for the sponge and the tres leches mixture.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For whipping the eggs and creating a light, fluffy sponge cake.
Baking Pan: A 9-inch round or square cake pan will work perfectly.
Whisk and Spoons: To mix the ingredients thoroughly and to sprinkle the coffee powder for the topping.
Cooling Rack: To cool the cake before soaking it in the tres leches mixture.
Electric Mixer or Whisk: To whip the cream for the topping to a fluffy consistency.

These tools are necessary for both the preparation and finishing touches of your coffee tres leches cake.

Cake Preparation

Creating the perfect coffee sponge for this tres leches cake is a crucial step in ensuring a light, airy texture that soaks up the rich milk mixture beautifully. Let’s break down the steps for preparing the cake.

Making the Coffee Sponge Cake

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. This is where your cake gets its lightness, so make sure to whisk vigorously for about 3–5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and melted butter (make sure it’s cooled to room temperature) and mix until combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, coffee powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter, as this will help maintain its fluffiness.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the ‘Tres Leches’ Coffee Soak

While your cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the tres leches soak. This is where the magic happens, as the milk mixture infuses the cake with rich flavors and moisture.

Mix the Milks: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream until well combined. Stir in the instant coffee powder until it dissolves completely. This coffee-infused milk mixture will soak into the cake, adding a delightful richness.
Soak the Cake: Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, use a fork or toothpick to gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the milk mixture to soak in more effectively. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Allow the cake to absorb the mixture for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, but the longer it soaks, the more moist and flavorful it will become.

Tips for Perfect Soaking:

If you prefer a more intense coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of instant coffee in the milk mixture.
For best results, let the cake sit in the refrigerator overnight to ensure it absorbs the tres leches mixture fully, but if you’re in a rush, an hour or two of soaking should suffice.

Topping and Decoration

Once your cake has absorbed the tres leches mixture, it’s time to add the final touches! The topping is a key element of the cake, and with a smooth, whipped cream finish and a sprinkle of coffee powder, it elevates the flavor to perfection.

Whipping the Cream

Chill Your Equipment: Before you start whipping the cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This will help the cream whip up faster and achieve a more stable texture.
Whip the Cream: Pour the chilled whipping cream into the prepared bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat the cream until soft peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the cream should hold its shape but have a slight droop.
Add Sugar: Once soft peaks have formed, add the caster sugar to sweeten the cream. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form. The cream should be firm enough to hold its shape without collapsing.
Finish with Coffee: For an extra coffee kick, gently stir in the instant coffee powder (about 2 teaspoons) into the whipped cream. This will give the cream a light coffee flavor that complements the cake.

Assembling the Cake

Now that your cake is fully soaked and the whipped cream is ready, it’s time to assemble the dessert:

Spread the Whipped Cream: Gently spread the whipped cream over the top of the soaked cake, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even layer. Be generous with the whipped cream, as it adds a rich texture and taste to each bite.
Sprinkle Coffee Powder: To finish the cake, sprinkle a small amount of instant coffee powder over the whipped cream. This not only adds a burst of coffee flavor but also gives the cake a beautiful, rustic finish.

Serving Suggestions

Once assembled, your Coffee Flavored Tres Leches Cake is ready to be served! For an added touch of elegance, consider the following serving ideas:

Chilled Slices: Serve the cake chilled straight from the refrigerator. This cake tastes even better when it’s cold, and the whipped cream topping holds its shape beautifully.
Garnish with Shaved Chocolate or Cocoa Powder: For a luxurious finish, you can shave some dark chocolate over the whipped cream or dust a little cocoa powder for a refined look.

Serving Tip: This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so feel free to make it a day or two ahead of time!

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Your Coffee Tres Leches Cake Fresh

After preparing this delightful dessert, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to store your cake:

Refrigeration: Store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve the texture and prevent the whipped cream from melting. Your cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Avoid Freezing: While you can freeze other types of cakes, I don’t recommend freezing this tres leches cake because of its milk-soaked nature. Freezing can cause the texture to become soggy once thawed.

Pro Tip: To keep the cake from drying out, make sure it’s tightly covered to prevent air from reaching the surface.

Conclusion

There you have it—your very own Coffee Flavored Tres Leches Cake, a moist, indulgent dessert that’s a perfect fusion of rich coffee and the classic tres leches concept. This cake is not only delicious but also an impressive treat to serve at any occasion. The moist coffee-infused sponge, soaked with a decadent tres leches mixture, topped with smooth whipped cream, and finished with a sprinkle of coffee powder makes each bite an absolute delight.

Whether you’re a coffee lover or simply looking for a new dessert to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. And with the option to make it ahead of time, it’s the perfect dessert for any event.

By following these detailed instructions and taking your time to perfect the soaking and topping, you can easily recreate this creamy, coffee-flavored masterpiece in your own kitchen. Enjoy every slice of this rich, flavorful cake, and share the joy with friends and family!