Vegan Tres Leches Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of traditional Tres Leches Cake but are looking for a vegan-friendly version, this Vegan Tres Leches Cake recipe is for you! This dessert,

soaked in a rich blend of three different types of plant-based milks, has all the indulgent sweetness of the original but without any dairy.

With a fluffy, light sponge, and a decadent coconut milk soak topped with vegan whipped cream, it’s a showstopper dessert perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to celebrations.

Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy a dairy-free treat, this recipe brings all the comfort and richness of a traditional Tres Leches Cake, but with a plant-based twist.

Table of Contents

Ingredients List

For the Cake

140 ml plant milk (unsweetened and unflavored, at room temperature)
75 g vegan yogurt (unsweetened and unflavored, at room temperature)
50 ml vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ teaspoon white wine vinegar (or any plain neutral vinegar like rice vinegar)
180 g cake flour (see notes in blog post above for alternatives)
125 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Soak

180 ml vegan evaporated milk (I use coconut evaporated milk from Nature’s Charm)
90 ml vegan sweetened condensed milk (I use coconut condensed milk from Nature’s Charm)
30 ml plant milk (unsweetened and unflavored, at room temperature)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vegan Whipped Cream Layer

270 ml vegan whipping cream (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoon caster sugar (superfine sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sliced strawberries (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, having the right tools will ensure your Vegan Tres Leches Cake turns out perfect. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium to large-sized bowls for mixing your cake batter and soaking liquid separately.
Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To easily whip the cake batter and whipped cream, an electric hand mixer or stand mixer will save you time.
9×9-inch Baking Pan: For baking the cake. Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal after baking.
Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients and for whisking the vegan whipped cream.
Piping Bag (Optional): If you want to get creative with presentation, you can pipe the whipped cream on top of the cake for a more polished look.

With these tools in hand, you’re ready to make this delicious and easy-to-follow Vegan Tres Leches Cake.

Cake Preparation: How to Make a Fluffy Vegan Sponge Cake

The base of this Vegan Tres Leches Cake is a light and fluffy sponge cake that absorbs all the delicious soak while still holding its shape. Follow these steps to create the perfect vegan cake layer:

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Sifting is important to ensure there are no clumps and to give your cake a light texture. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Combining the Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the plant milk, vegan yogurt, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and white wine vinegar (or your preferred neutral vinegar), which helps activate the baking soda and gives the cake its fluffy texture.

Mixing the Cake Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a whisk, gently stir until the mixture is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick but pourable.

Baking the Cake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared 9×9-inch baking pan, smoothing it out with a spatula for even distribution. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Soak: The Secret to Tres Leches Cake

The soak is what makes Tres Leches Cake so irresistible—it’s a rich blend of three different milks that saturates the cake, making it moist and delicious. Here’s how to prepare the perfect vegan soak:

Combining the Three Plant-Based Milks

In a separate mixing bowl or large measuring jug, combine the vegan evaporated milk, vegan sweetened condensed milk, and unsweetened plant milk. Whisk them together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

This soak mixture is key to giving the cake its signature moisture and sweetness without any dairy.

Soaking the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the soak to penetrate the sponge and keep the cake extra moist.

Slowly pour the prepared soak mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to cover all areas. Let the cake sit for 10-15 minutes so that the soak can fully absorb into the sponge.

Vegan Whipped Cream Layer: The Perfect Topping for Tres Leches Cake

The final touch to this Vegan Tres Leches Cake is a light, airy whipped cream layer that complements the rich soaked cake perfectly. Here’s how to make the perfect vegan whipped cream:

Preparing the Vegan Whipped Cream

To make the vegan whipped cream, begin by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping. This helps achieve the best texture.

Next, pour the vegan whipping cream into the chilled bowl and start whipping it using an electric mixer or stand mixer on high speed. After a few minutes, when the cream starts to thicken, add the caster sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should hold its shape but still be smooth and creamy.

Applying the Whipped Cream

Once the cake has fully absorbed the soak and the whipped cream is ready, spread the whipped cream generously over the cake, creating a smooth and even layer. You can also use a piping bag for a more decorative touch if you want to make the presentation more elegant.

Garnishing

For an extra touch of flavor and color, sprinkle the top of the whipped cream with a light dusting of ground cinnamon. If you like, you can also add sliced strawberries for a fresh and vibrant topping that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the cake.

Serving and Storing Your Vegan Tres Leches Cake

Now that your cake is ready, it’s time to serve! This Vegan Tres Leches Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a special celebration, or even a holiday treat. Here’s how to serve and store it:

Serving Suggestions

For the best experience, serve the cake chilled straight from the refrigerator. The cake’s flavors improve as it sits, and the cold temperature helps the whipped cream hold its shape. Slice the cake into squares and enjoy the creamy, moist, and flavorful layers that make Tres Leches so irresistible.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Vegan Tres Leches Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The whipped cream layer might lose some of its fluffiness, but the cake will still be wonderfully moist.
Freezing the Cake: If you want to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze the cake (without the whipped cream topping) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the whipped cream layer.

Conclusion: A Delicious Vegan Twist on a Classic Dessert

This Vegan Tres Leches Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that offers all the rich flavors and moist texture of the traditional recipe, with none of the dairy. The combination of the fluffy sponge, sweet soak, and creamy whipped topping makes this cake an absolute showstopper.

Whether you’re vegan or simply seeking a dairy-free dessert, this cake is perfect for any occasion. With the tips and steps outlined in this recipe, you can create a flawless Tres Leches cake that everyone will love. Enjoy your creation, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family—this cake is too good not to share!