Craving a moist, rich, and flavorful dessert that combines the best of coffee and the traditional Tres Leches cake? Look no further!
My Coffee Tres Leches Cake is an irresistible treat that brings together the sweet, creamy goodness of a classic tres leches cake with the deep, bold flavor of coffee.
Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Tres Leches Cake
This coffee-infused version of the popular Mexican dessert is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. With a light, fluffy sponge cake soaked in a mix of three milks—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream—each bite is rich, indulgent, and moist. The addition of coffee complements the sweetness beautifully, creating a balanced and comforting dessert. Topped with a fluffy whipped cream layer and a sprinkle of chocolate curls, it’s a treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for the Coffee Tres Leches Cake
To make this decadent Coffee Tres Leches Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. It’s a simple list, but the magic happens when these ingredients come together to create the perfect, moist cake.
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup strong coffee, cooled (this is the magic ingredient!)
Whipped Topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon Kahlua (optional, but adds an extra layer of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate curls (grated chocolate for garnish)
Required Kitchen Tools
To make the best Coffee Tres Leches Cake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will ensure the process goes smoothly and that the cake turns out perfect every time:
- Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): This will help you beat the egg whites and the heavy cream to perfection.
- Cake Pan: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for this recipe. It’s large enough to hold the soaked cake and makes serving easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to getting the perfect cake texture.
- Cooling Rack: Let your cake cool properly before soaking it in the milks—this helps the cake absorb the liquid evenly.
- Piping Bag (optional): If you want a more professional presentation for your whipped topping, use a piping bag to decorate.
The Steps to Make Coffee Tres Leches Cake
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, let’s get started on making this delicious dessert! Follow the steps carefully for a flawless cake.
Step-by-Step Preparation of the Coffee Tres Leches Cake
The key to making this Coffee Tres Leches Cake is getting the cake base just right—light, fluffy, and perfectly sponge-like. The soaking process is equally crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the whipped topping adds the perfect finishing touch. Let’s dive in!
1. Prepare the Cake Base:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Start by sifting together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and kosher salt into a medium-sized bowl. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are well combined and will help the cake rise evenly.
- Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy. This will add volume to the cake and create a light texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the egg mixture, add the milk, vanilla extract, and cooled coffee. Stir gently until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
2. Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a separate, clean bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will give the cake its airy structure. Once the peaks have formed, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter in three additions, being careful not to deflate the air in the mixture.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13-inch cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Soaking the Cake with the Tres Leches Mixture
Now that your cake is perfectly baked and cooled, it’s time for the best part—the soaking! The three-milk mixture is what transforms this cake into a rich, flavorful dessert that’s incredibly moist and indulgent. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup cooled strong coffee (this is where the coffee flavor comes through, giving the cake its signature depth)
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is your soaking liquid!
2. Soak the Cake:
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Using a fork or skewer, gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the tres leches mixture to soak into every corner of the cake and ensure that every bite is rich and moist.
- Pour the Tres Leches Mixture: Slowly pour the tres leches mixture evenly over the entire cake, making sure it gets absorbed into all the holes and the edges of the cake. You’ll notice the cake might initially look like a lot of liquid, but don’t worry! The cake will soak it all up, becoming incredibly moist and spongy.
- Refrigerate to Soak: Once the cake is fully soaked, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and moist it will become.
Step 4: Preparing the Whipped Topping
While the cake is soaking in the fridge, you can prepare the luscious whipped cream topping. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your Coffee Tres Leches Cake!
1. Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups heavy cream, 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon Kahlua (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream until it reaches stiff peaks. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream could turn into butter.
2. Spread or Pipe the Whipped Cream:
Once the cake has soaked and chilled, spread a thick layer of whipped cream on top of the cake. If you want a more decorative finish, you can transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag and pipe it onto the cake in decorative swirls.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving the Coffee Tres Leches Cake
The finishing touches are key to making your Coffee Tres Leches Cake look as stunning as it tastes. Now that the cake is fully assembled with its coffee-soaked layers and fluffy whipped topping, it’s time to add the final flourishes.
1. Garnish with Chocolate Curls:
To add a touch of elegance and extra flavor, garnish the cake with chocolate curls. Simply take a bar of chocolate (dark or milk, depending on your preference) and use a vegetable peeler or grater to create delicate curls. Scatter them over the whipped cream topping for a rich, glossy finish.
2. Slice and Serve:
After garnishing, your Coffee Tres Leches Cake is ready to be served! Slice it into squares, and be sure to serve it chilled. The cake should be moist, with a soft, sponge-like texture that’s soaked through with the tres leches mixture, and topped with a creamy, velvety finish.
This cake is perfect for a special occasion or as a decadent treat any time you want to impress your friends and family. Whether you enjoy it for dessert at a dinner party or as a sweet afternoon snack, it’s sure to be a hit.
Storage Instructions
- How to Keep Coffee Tres Leches Cake Fresh:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious over time. - Freezing the Cake:
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cake (without the whipped cream topping) for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and top with freshly whipped cream and chocolate curls before serving.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Coffee Tres Leches Cake!
With its rich coffee flavor, creamy tres leches soak, and fluffy whipped topping, this Coffee Tres Leches Cake is truly a showstopper. Whether you’re making it for a celebration, a casual gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. The combination of textures—the light cake, the creamy soak, and the airy topping—creates a perfect balance of indulgence.
