Nutella Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Craving a decadent twist on the classic Tres Leches cake? Try this irresistible Nutella Tres Leches Cake that combines the rich, nutty flavor of Nutella with the soft, moist texture of the traditional milk-soaked dessert.

This fusion of two favorite desserts will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this Nutella Tres Leches cake is guaranteed to impress.

Table of Contents

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

4 large eggs (room temperature)
¾ cup caster sugar (bareek cheeni)
½ cup cooking oil
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
½ cup Olper’s milk (room temperature)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (maida)
⅓ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt (namak)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder

For the Nutella Milk Syrup:

2 ½ cups warm Olper’s milk
½ cup Nutella
¼ cup condensed milk
½ cup Olper’s cream (room temperature)

For the Nutella Frosting:

250 ml whipping cream
2-3 tablespoons icing sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
½ cup Nutella (melted)
White chocolate chips (for decoration)

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Nutella Tres Leches Cake, having the right kitchen tools will ensure that the process goes smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: You’ll need a mixer to whisk together the eggs and sugar and to make the smooth batter for the cake. A stand mixer is great for larger quantities, but a hand mixer works just as well!
Mixing Bowls: Prepare separate bowls for the cake batter, Nutella milk syrup, and the frosting to keep everything organized.
9×13-inch Baking Pan: This size is perfect for creating a moist and fluffy cake that soaks up all the Nutella milk syrup.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to making sure the recipe turns out perfect.
Whisk and Spatula: You’ll need a whisk for mixing and a spatula for folding in ingredients smoothly.
Piping Bag (optional): If you want to decorate your cake with a beautiful swirl of Nutella frosting, a piping bag with a star tip is optional but fun.

Having these tools ready will set you up for success and make the whole baking experience easier and more enjoyable.

Cake Preparation

The key to a perfect Nutella Tres Leches Cake is ensuring that your cake is moist, airy, and rich. Follow these steps carefully to make the cake base that will soak up the delicious Nutella milk syrup.

Mixing the Cake Ingredients

Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:
Start by beating the eggs and caster sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This is a crucial step for getting that airy texture in your cake.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the cooking oil, vanilla essence, and Olper’s milk (room temperature) to the egg mixture. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Sift Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This will ensure that there are no lumps in your dry ingredients, which helps the cake rise evenly.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or on low speed to avoid overworking the batter. You want a smooth, lump-free batter.
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease and line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the prepared cake batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so make sure to check the cake at the 25-minute mark.
Cool the Cake:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential before soaking the cake with the Nutella milk syrup.

Nutella Milk Syrup Preparation

The Nutella milk syrup is the heart and soul of this Tres Leches cake, giving it that rich, creamy, and Nutella-infused flavor. It’s a simple yet crucial step that ensures your cake absorbs the perfect amount of syrup for a moist and flavorful result.

Making the Nutella Milk Syrup

Heat the Milk:
In a saucepan, gently heat the Olper’s milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. You want it to be warm enough to dissolve the Nutella, but not too hot.
Add Nutella:
Once the milk is warm, whisk in the Nutella until it completely dissolves and becomes a smooth, creamy mixture. This will give the syrup its signature Nutella flavor.
Add Condensed Milk and Cream:
Stir in the condensed milk and Olper’s cream (room temperature) to the Nutella milk mixture. Continue stirring until everything is well combined and smooth. The cream adds richness, while the condensed milk adds sweetness, making the syrup decadent and delicious.
Let the Syrup Cool Slightly:
Remove the Nutella milk syrup from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. It should be warm when you pour it over the cake, so it’s easy to soak in.

Soaking the Cake

Now comes the fun part—soaking the cake with that rich Nutella milk syrup. This is where the magic happens, turning a simple cake into a Tres Leches masterpiece.

Poke Holes in the Cake:
Using a fork or a skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake. These holes allow the Nutella milk syrup to penetrate the cake, making it incredibly moist.
Pour the Nutella Milk Syrup:
Slowly pour the Nutella milk syrup evenly over the cake. Make sure the syrup soaks into all the holes, and let the cake absorb the syrup for about 10-15 minutes. You can gently press the cake with a spatula to help it absorb more syrup. The cake should be moist but not soggy.
Refrigerate the Cake:
Once the syrup has soaked in, place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight if possible). The chilling step is essential for the syrup to fully soak into the cake and for the flavors to meld together.

Nutella Frosting and Decoration

The Nutella frosting brings a luscious, creamy finish to this cake, completing the flavor profile with a rich and indulgent topping. Decorate it as you like to make this Nutella Tres Leches cake the star of any dessert table.

Making the Nutella Frosting

Whip the Cream:
Start by pouring the whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add icing sugar and vanilla essence and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Add the Nutella:
Once the cream is whipped to perfection, add the Nutella and mix gently with a spatula or on low speed until fully incorporated. The Nutella will turn the cream into a silky, rich frosting with a delicious hazelnut flavor.
Melted Nutella Drizzle:
To add a decorative touch, gently melt the Nutella in the microwave or using a double boiler. Drizzle the melted Nutella over the top of the frosted cake to create a glossy, indulgent finish.
Add White Chocolate Chips:
For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, sprinkle some white chocolate chips over the top of the cake. These will melt slightly from the warmth of the Nutella, adding to the visual appeal and flavor.

Serving and Decoration Tips

This Nutella Tres Leches Cake is sure to be a showstopper, and there are plenty of ways to enhance its presentation:

Chocolate Shavings: For an extra indulgent touch, shave some dark or milk chocolate over the top of the cake.
Whipped Cream: If you prefer, you can top the cake with additional fresh whipped cream alongside the Nutella frosting.
Hazelnuts: To complement the Nutella flavor, chop up some roasted hazelnuts and sprinkle them on top for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Nutella Tres Leches cake chilled for the best texture and flavor. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. Whether you’re serving it at a party, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this cake will surely impress.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Nutella Tres Leches Cake Fresh

After making your Nutella Tres Leches Cake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake will continue to soak up the syrup as it sits, making it even more moist and flavorful.

Freezing Nutella Tres Leches Cake

If you want to keep this cake for longer, it freezes well! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Making a Nutella Tres Leches Cake combines the best of both worlds: the light, airy texture of Tres Leches with the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella. With the right balance of moisture, sweetness, and texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it for a celebration or simply enjoying a treat at home, this Nutella Tres Leches Cake is guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this decadent dessert!