Craving a unique twist on the classic tres leches cake? Look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake. Perfect for the fall season,
this cake combines the warmth of pumpkin and cozy spices with the rich, indulgent flavors of tres leches. Soft, moist, and bursting with comforting flavors, it’s an unforgettable dessert that’s bound to impress at any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a seasonal treat, this cake is the ultimate way to celebrate autumn.
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups granulated white sugar
- 15 oz (1 can) pure pumpkin puree (do not use pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
For the Tres Leches Filling:
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 12 oz evaporated milk (one can)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (one can)
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting the top (optional)
Required Kitchen Tools
Before diving into the preparation of this Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake, it’s essential to have the right kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: A few medium and large mixing bowls to combine your ingredients and ensure the right consistency for the cake batter and whipped cream frosting.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: You’ll need a mixer to help beat the cake batter until smooth, as well as to whip the heavy cream for the frosting.
- Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch baking pan is perfect for this recipe, allowing the cake to bake evenly.
- Whisk: A whisk is ideal for mixing the dry ingredients, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the wet ingredients.
- Piping Bag or Spoon: If you’re decorating with whipped cream, you might want a piping bag, or simply use a spoon to spread the frosting.
- Large Knife or Cake Slicer: For slicing the cake and adding the tres leches mixture, a sharp knife is a must to ensure neat, clean slices.
Having these tools on hand will make the process much easier and more enjoyable. Now, let’s get started on making this delicious Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake!
Cake Preparation
Mixing the Ingredients
The first step to creating this dreamy Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake is to prepare the cake batter. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, then dust it lightly with flour. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick during baking and comes out with a golden, crisp edge.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will create a smooth base for your cake batter. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. These dry ingredients will add structure and the signature pumpkin spice flavor to your cake. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a whisk or spatula. Mix until just combined — be careful not to overmix, as this could make your cake dense. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 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.
Allow the Cake to Cool
The key to a perfect tres leches cake is that the cake must be completely cool before soaking it in the tres leches mixture. This allows the cake to absorb the milk mixture evenly and achieve that signature moistness without falling apart. Patience is key at this stage — let your cake cool to room temperature before moving forward.
Tres Leches Mixture
Preparing the Tres Leches
Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to prepare the signature tres leches soaking mixture. The combination of three different types of milk — heavy whipping cream, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk — creates a rich, velvety texture that makes tres leches cake so irresistible.
- Mix the Three Milks:
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. This will create the luscious base that soaks into your pumpkin spice cake, making it delightfully moist. - Soak the Cake:
Use a fork or skewer to gently poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake. This will allow the milk mixture to seep in and infuse the cake with moisture. Pour the tres leches mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake. Don’t worry if the cake seems to absorb the liquid quickly — this is exactly what you want! Allow the cake to soak in the milk mixture for about 30 minutes to an hour.
You can also cover the cake and refrigerate it for a few hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to become extra moist. The longer you let it soak, the richer the flavor will be.
Whipped Cream Frosting & Serving
Making the Whipped Cream Frosting
The whipped cream frosting is the perfect finishing touch for this decadent Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake. It’s light, fluffy, and sweet with just a hint of vanilla flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- Chill the Mixing Bowl:
To ensure your whipped cream whips up perfectly, start by placing your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before you begin. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve the right consistency. - Whip the Cream:
In the chilled bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and begin whipping at medium-high speed using an electric mixer. Once the cream begins to thicken, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream may turn buttery. - Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has fully absorbed the tres leches mixture and is beautifully moist, it’s time to frost it. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula. You can smooth it out for a neat finish, or use a piping bag to pipe decorative swirls and rosettes. - Optional Cinnamon Dusting:
For an extra touch of spice and a beautiful presentation, lightly dust the top of the whipped cream frosting with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. This adds a subtle hint of flavor and makes your cake look even more irresistible.
Serving Your Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake
Once frosted, slice your Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake into generous squares and serve! It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the cake will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious with each bite.
This cake is perfect for fall celebrations like Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique dessert. The blend of pumpkin spice, the sweetness of the tres leches, and the airy whipped cream frosting creates a heavenly dessert that’s truly unforgettable.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Your Cake Fresh
To keep your Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prevent the whipped cream from getting soggy, try covering the top with plastic wrap or parchment paper to protect it.
Freezing Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake
If you want to save your leftover cake for later, you can freeze it. Just wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight. Frost with fresh whipped cream and enjoy the same great flavor!
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate dessert for fall. It combines the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin with the indulgent sweetness of tres leches, topped with a light, airy whipped cream frosting. It’s the perfect treat for any autumn celebration or a special dessert to enjoy with loved ones. Whether you make it for Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or just as a cozy treat on a cool day, this cake is guaranteed to wow everyone who tries it.
By following these simple steps and allowing the cake to soak up the tres leches mixture, you’ll create a moist, flavorful cake that will become a fall favorite for years to come. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of this indulgent, pumpkin-spiced delight!
