Craving a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the indulgent creaminess of a tres leches soak?
Look no further than this Red Velvet Tres Leches Cake, a dreamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The lush red velvet cake is complemented by a velvety,
three-milk mixture and topped with a rich white chocolate frosting. Every bite of this cake is an experience you won’t want to miss!
This recipe is a beautiful marriage of two beloved desserts—red velvet cake and tres leches cake. If you’re a fan of creamy textures, deep red color, and deliciously indulgent flavors, this cake is for you. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a weekend treat, this Red Velvet Tres Leches Cake will elevate your dessert game to a whole new level.
Ingredients List
For the Cake
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 30 ml red food coloring (about one small bottle)
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp baking soda
For the Pouring Milk
- 50 g white chocolate (melted)
- 400 ml evaporated milk (one can)
- 1/2 can condensed milk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
For the Frosting
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup icing sugar
- 50 g white chocolate (melted)
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you start baking, gather the necessary kitchen tools to ensure smooth preparation. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hand or Stand Mixer: This is crucial for mixing and whipping the batter and frosting to perfection. A stand mixer can help you achieve a lighter texture in the cake and frosting.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two large mixing bowls, one for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your cake turns out just right.
- 9×9 Inch Baking Pan: The size of the pan is crucial for evenly baking the cake. You can also use an 8×8 pan for a taller cake.
- Whisk: A simple whisk will be handy for mixing the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients for the cake batter.
- Handheld Mixer: Ideal for whipping the frosting and incorporating the air into the cream and cream cheese mixture.
- Piping Bag (Optional): If you want to decorate with frosting or create swirls, a piping bag can be a fun addition.
Having these tools on hand will help streamline your process and ensure the best results!
Cake Preparation
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
To begin, whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until they become light and fluffy. This will give your cake its airy texture. Next, add the oil and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue whisking until smooth. It’s essential to make sure the mixture is well-blended so that the cake bakes evenly.
Now, for the star of the show: the red food coloring! Add about 30 ml of red food coloring to the wet mixture and stir until you achieve the desired vibrant red hue. The color should be rich and bold, creating that signature red velvet appearance.
Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures a smooth cake batter. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine.
Adding the Buttermilk and Vinegar
Next, pour in the buttermilk and vinegar into the batter. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, helping the cake rise and giving it a fluffy texture. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Once your batter is smooth and vibrant, it’s time to pour it into the prepared baking pan.
Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the red velvet cake batter into the greased and floured 9×9 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even layer. Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pouring the Milk Mixture
Preparing the Tres Leches Soak
Now comes the fun part—transforming your fluffy red velvet cake into a moist, indulgent masterpiece. The tres leches soak is what gives this cake its signature texture and richness. Start by melting 50 grams of white chocolate in a microwave or on a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. Whisk together until smooth. Add the melted white chocolate to this milk mixture and stir well. The addition of white chocolate gives a luxurious sweetness and velvety finish to the tres leches soak, elevating the classic recipe with a creamy, indulgent twist.
Soaking the Cake
Once your cake has cooled completely, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. These holes will allow the milk mixture to soak deep into the cake, making it ultra-moist. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. The cake will absorb the milk mixture, and it may seem like a lot, but that’s exactly how it should be—this is what gives the cake its signature moistness.
Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the milk mixture to fully soak in. For the best results, refrigerate the cake for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the cake absorb even more of the delicious soaking liquid.
Frosting and Decoration
Preparing the Frosting
For the frosting, begin by melting the remaining 50 grams of white chocolate and set it aside to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and cream cheese together until stiff peaks form. This will give your frosting a creamy yet firm texture that will hold its shape when spread on the cake.
Once the whipping cream and cream cheese are whipped to perfection, add the icing sugar and the melted white chocolate. Continue to mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. The white chocolate adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness to the frosting, making it the perfect complement to the moist red velvet cake.
Frosting the Cake
Once the cake has fully soaked in the tres leches mixture, it’s time to top it with the decadent white chocolate frosting. Use a spatula or an offset spatula to evenly spread the frosting over the top of the cake. You can go for a smooth, even layer, or create decorative swirls and peaks for a more artistic finish.
Optional Decorations
If you’d like to add a little extra flair to your Red Velvet Tres Leches Cake, consider decorating it with a few creative touches. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich cake.
- Grated White Chocolate: For an elegant touch, sprinkle some grated white chocolate over the frosting. This enhances the creamy, indulgent flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings or Curls: Add some chocolate shavings or curls on top to give the cake a sophisticated look.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your cake is frosted and decorated, it’s ready to serve! Slice it into generous portions and enjoy the moist, tender texture of the red velvet cake combined with the creamy tres leches soak and rich white chocolate frosting. This cake is perfect for a celebration, a dinner party, or simply as a special treat to enjoy with loved ones.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Red Velvet Tres Leches Cake Fresh
Store any leftover Red Velvet Tres Leches Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as it will continue to absorb the milk soak and stay moist. Make sure to store it in a cool area to prevent the frosting from melting or becoming too soft.
Freezing Red Velvet Tres Leches Cake
If you’d like to keep this cake for a longer period, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Conclusion
This Red Velvet Tres Leches Cake is the perfect combination of light, fluffy red velvet cake soaked in a rich, creamy tres leches mixture, topped with velvety white chocolate frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a luxurious dessert, this cake will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
