Craving a festive twist on the traditional tres leches cake? Look no further than this Gingerbread Tres Leches Cake. This indulgent dessert combines the rich,
spiced flavor of gingerbread with the irresistible creaminess of the classic tres leches. It’s the perfect holiday treat or cozy dessert for any occasion. The moist, flavorful cake is soaked in a sweet and creamy milk mixture,
topped with fluffy whipped cream, and garnished with crushed gingersnaps and cherries for an extra burst of flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients List
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 (14.5-oz) boxes gingerbread cake & cookie mix (or your favorite gingerbread cake mix)
- Ingredients to prepare the cake (usually water, eggs, and oil as per the box instructions)
Milk Mixture Ingredients:
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
Topping Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 gingersnap cookies, crushed
- Fresh cherries for garnish
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right kitchen tools can make your Gingerbread Tres Leches Cake recipe a breeze. Here’s a list of the essentials you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: Use a large mixing bowl to prepare the gingerbread cake and a smaller bowl for your whipped cream topping.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: You’ll need this for both mixing the cake batter and whipping the cream for the topping.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for baking and soaking the cake.
- Whisk or Fork: For mixing the tres leches milk mixture together smoothly.
- Piping Bag (Optional): For decorating the cake with whipped cream, though you can also spread it with a spatula.
- Chopping Board and Knife: To chop the gingersnaps and cherries for garnish.
By having these tools ready, you’ll be all set for a smooth baking process!
Cake Preparation
The key to a perfect Gingerbread Tres Leches Cake is starting with a moist, flavorful gingerbread base. The spiced aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy milk mixture. Follow these easy steps to make the cake, soak it with the tres leches mixture, and prepare it for its sweet topping.
Preparing the Gingerbread Cake
- Mix the Cake Ingredients:
Begin by preparing the gingerbread cake mix according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll need to add water, eggs, and oil. Whisk everything together until smooth. If you prefer homemade gingerbread cake, you can substitute the boxed mix with a made-from-scratch gingerbread batter. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the prepared batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Poke Holes for the Tres Leches:
Once the cake has cooled completely, take a fork or a skewer and poke holes all over the top of the cake. This will allow the tres leches milk mixture to soak in, making the cake extra moist and flavorful.
Preparing the Tres Leches Milk Mixture
While the cake cools, it’s time to prepare the decadent tres leches soaking mixture that makes this cake truly special. This mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half creates a creamy and indulgent base for the cake.
- Combine the Milk Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl or measuring jug, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half. Stir until fully combined and smooth. - Pour Over the Cake:
Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cooled gingerbread cake, making sure to cover every corner. The cake will absorb the milk, so you may notice it sinking in. Be generous, and allow the cake to soak for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. For best results, let it soak in the fridge overnight.
Whipped Cream Topping
The final touch on your Gingerbread Tres Leches Cake is the light, fluffy whipped cream topping. It complements the rich, spiced gingerbread cake perfectly, adding a smooth, airy contrast to the dense milk-soaked layers. This step is simple yet crucial for making your cake extra indulgent and beautiful.
Whipping the Cream
- Chill Your Tools:
For the best results when whipping cream, it’s important to start with chilled equipment. Place your mixing bowl and beaters (or whisk) in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before you begin. - Whip the Cream:
Once your tools are chilled, add the heavy whipping cream to the bowl and beat it with an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream could turn into butter.
Assembling the Cake
- Spread the Whipped Cream:
Once the cake has fully soaked in the tres leches mixture, it’s time to top it with the whipped cream. Use a spatula to gently spread the whipped cream over the top, creating an even layer. You can pipe the cream for a more decorative look, if preferred. - Garnish with Crushed Gingersnaps:
For added texture and a burst of ginger flavor, sprinkle the crushed gingersnap cookies evenly over the whipped cream. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the gingerbread theme of the cake. - Add a Cherry on Top:
To make your Gingerbread Tres Leches Cake even more festive, garnish each slice with a fresh cherry. The bright red cherries provide a beautiful contrast to the rich cream and spiced gingerbread, making the cake both delicious and visually appealing.
Once you’ve topped your cake, it’s ready to serve! Let it chill in the refrigerator for an additional hour to allow the flavors to meld together before slicing and enjoying.
Serving and Storing
This Gingerbread Tres Leches Cake is a showstopper, whether you’re serving it for the holidays, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet. The combination of spiced gingerbread, creamy tres leches milk, and fluffy whipped cream makes every bite irresistible.
How to Serve
- Slice and Serve:
Slice the cake into squares or rectangles and plate it for serving. The whipped cream topping, gingersnap garnish, and cherry make each piece feel like a special treat. Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect dessert experience. - Customizing Toppings:
Feel free to get creative with the garnishes. Some people like to drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup over the whipped cream, while others enjoy a dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also add chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for a different flavor.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they may not last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge, allowing the milk mixture to continue soaking in and keeping the cake moist.
Freezing the Cake
Want to save some of your Gingerbread Tres Leches Cake for later? You can freeze it for up to 1 month. Here’s how:
- Freeze the Cake:
After assembling the cake (but before adding the whipped cream), place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. - Thaw and Top:
When you’re ready to serve, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, whip up fresh cream, top the cake, and garnish with crushed gingersnaps and cherries.
Conclusion
The Gingerbread Tres Leches Cake is a perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: the rich, creamy tres leches cake and the warm, spiced gingerbread that’s synonymous with the holiday season. With its moist texture, spiced flavor, and indulgent toppings, this cake will quickly become a favorite at any gathering. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a festive treat at home, this cake is sure to impress.
