Looking for an irresistible dessert that combines the creamy indulgence of Tiramisu with the moist richness of Tres Leches cake?
This Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake recipe brings together the best of both worlds in one decadent treat. Imagine a soft, fluffy cake soaked in a rich blend of three milks,
layered with mascarpone whipped cream, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder—perfect for any special occasion or a comforting after-dinner treat.
This fusion cake is the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of coffee flavor. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian desserts or the beloved Latin American Tres Leches, this cake will surely become your new favorite. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (preferably)
For the Coffee Milk Soak:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (preferably)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (about ½ of a 14-ounce can)
- 2 tablespoons white rum (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Required Kitchen Tools
Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the following kitchen tools handy for a smooth baking experience:
- Hand or Stand Mixer: Perfect for whipping the egg whites for the cake and for mixing the mascarpone whipped cream to a silky texture.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few large mixing bowls for preparing the cake batter, soaking mixture, and whipped cream.
- Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch baking pan works best for this cake.
- Whisk and Spatula: For incorporating ingredients gently, especially when folding in the egg whites.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing the cake to cool evenly before soaking.
- Sifter: Sifting the dry ingredients will help keep your cake light and airy.
- Piping Bag (optional): If you want to decorate the whipped cream in an elegant, layered manner.
Cake Preparation
The base of this Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake is a light and airy sponge cake that absorbs the rich coffee milk soak. Let’s break down the process step by step:
Mixing the Cake Batter
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In one large bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Next, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until they become pale and thick. Gradually add the milk, mixing until smooth. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture. Then, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in batches, being careful not to deflate the air from the whites.
Baking the Cake
Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a cooling rack.
Coffee Milk Soak
The star of this Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake lies in its rich, coffee-flavored soak. This adds moisture to the sponge cake while infusing it with a bold, aromatic coffee taste, making each bite irresistible. Here’s how to prepare it:
Preparing the Coffee Milk Soak
In a saucepan, combine the instant coffee and whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the coffee has dissolved completely. Once the coffee is dissolved, add the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan, mixing thoroughly. Continue to heat until the mixture is warm (but not boiling), then remove from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and, if desired, add the white rum. The rum adds a nice depth of flavor but is optional depending on your preference. Let the coffee milk soak cool to room temperature before using it to soak the cake.
Soaking the Cake
Once your sponge cake has cooled completely, it’s time to soak it with the coffee milk mixture. This is where the magic happens: the cake will absorb the flavorful coffee milk, becoming moist and flavorful, just like a classic Tres Leches cake.
Soaking Steps
- Poke the Cake: Use a fork or skewer to gently poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. This allows the soaking liquid to penetrate and infuse the cake evenly.
- Pour the Soak: Slowly pour the cooled coffee milk mixture over the entire surface of the cake. You’ll notice the cake absorbing the liquid almost immediately. Be generous—this step is key to creating the signature moist texture of a Tres Leches cake.
- Let the Cake Absorb: Allow the cake to soak for about 20-30 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed completely. This gives the cake time to become tender and full of flavor.
Mascarpone Whipped Cream
The mascarpone whipped cream is the crowning touch on this Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake. It adds a luxurious, creamy texture that balances the rich coffee soak and creates that signature Tiramisu flavor. Here’s how to prepare it:
Preparing the Mascarpone Whipped Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
Next, in a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. This step is essential for achieving the light, airy texture that will complement the soaked cake perfectly. Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—you want to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Layering the Mascarpone Whipped Cream
Once your cake has absorbed the coffee milk soak and is perfectly moist, it’s time to add the mascarpone whipped cream layer. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the soaked cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. You can use a spatula to smooth the whipped cream into a neat, even layer.
If you’d like to create a decorative effect, you can pipe the whipped cream into rosettes or swirls for an elegant presentation. This extra touch is perfect for impressing guests or making the cake look extra special for a celebration.
Finishing Touch: Cocoa Powder Dusting
The final step to make your Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake look as good as it tastes is the cocoa powder dusting. This adds a beautiful contrast to the cream and gives it a classic Tiramisu touch.
Dusting the Cake
Sift a generous layer of cocoa powder over the whipped cream topping. You can do this using a fine-mesh strainer or sifter for an even, delicate dusting. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the whipped cream so that every bite has that perfect hint of chocolatey bitterness. For an extra flavor boost, you can even sprinkle a little instant coffee powder over the top for a more intense coffee flavor.
Once your cake is dusted with cocoa powder, you can slice and serve it right away or refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. The cake will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.
Serving and Decoration
This Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake is a showstopper, both in taste and presentation. Here are some tips for serving and decorating your cake:
Serving Suggestions
To serve, cut the cake into squares or slices, ensuring each piece has a generous portion of the soaked cake and creamy mascarpone topping. This dessert is rich, so smaller slices are often just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.
You can serve the cake as-is, or pair it with some additional toppings for an extra flair. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, pair beautifully with the creamy richness of the mascarpone and coffee soak. For a bit of crunch, try adding chocolate shavings or grated dark chocolate on top.
Suggested Toppings and Coatings
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries will add a pop of color and a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Chocolate Shavings: Add some finely shaved dark chocolate for an elegant touch that complements the cocoa powder.
- Cocoa Powder: For a more intense chocolate flavor, dust the top with an extra layer of sifted cocoa powder before serving.
- Crumbled Ladyfingers: If you’re a fan of classic Tiramisu, sprinkle a few crumbled ladyfingers on top for texture and to bring in more of the traditional Tiramisu vibe.
Chilling the Cake
Though the cake can be enjoyed right away, letting it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (or even overnight) will enhance the flavor. The longer it sits, the more the coffee soak melds with the mascarpone cream, resulting in a beautifully harmonious dessert.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake Fresh
To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
Freezing Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake
If you want to make the cake ahead of time or save leftovers, you can freeze it. First, let the cake cool completely and freeze it without the whipped cream topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add the mascarpone whipped cream and cocoa powder dusting before serving.
Conclusion
This Tiramisu Tres Leches Cake brings together the best elements of two beloved desserts into one luxurious, moist, and creamy cake. The coffee soak gives the cake an irresistible depth of flavor, while the mascarpone whipped cream creates a smooth, velvety finish. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve something sweet, this dessert is sure to impress.
