Craving a rich, moist dessert that’s both indulgent and vegan-friendly? This Vegan Tres Leches Cake is the perfect solution!
Inspired by the traditional Latin American dessert, this plant-based version replaces dairy with coconut milk, oat milk, and vegan sweetened condensed milk, giving you that signature creamy texture and flavor.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress!
What makes a tres leches cake so irresistible? It’s the combination of a fluffy, soft cake soaked in a creamy milk mixture and topped with whipped cream. In this recipe, I’ve kept all the delicious elements of the original while making it completely vegan-friendly. You won’t even miss the dairy!
Ingredients List
For the Vanilla Cake
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk (or any plant milk of your choice)
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Milk Mixture
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 11.25 ounces vegan sweetened condensed milk (see notes for DIY version)
- 1/2 cup oat milk (or any other plant milk)
For the Rest
- Coconut whipped cream (or store-bought Coco Whip)
- Sprinkle of cinnamon (for garnish)
- Sliced strawberries (optional, for garnish)
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this vegan tres leches cake, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- 9×9-inch Baking Pan: A square pan works perfectly for this recipe. You can also use a round pan if that’s what you have.
- Mixing Bowls: A few bowls will help you separate dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and the milk mixture.
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This will help achieve that light and fluffy cake texture when mixing your wet and dry ingredients.
- Toothpick: For checking the doneness of the cake. It should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
- Large Spoon or Whisk: For mixing the milk mixture that will soak into the cake.
- Cooling Rack: Allowing your cake to cool before soaking it will help prevent sogginess.
Having these tools on hand will make the process much easier and ensure a perfect cake every time!
Preparing the Vegan Tres Leches Cake
Now that we have all the ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to get to the fun part – making this vegan tres leches cake! Follow these steps to create a light, fluffy cake that will soak up all that rich, creamy milk mixture.
Step 1: Making the Vanilla Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 9×9-inch baking pan with a bit of oil or lining it with parchment paper. This will help your cake come out easily after baking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine your unsweetened soy milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir them together and set them aside for about 5 minutes. This creates a homemade buttermilk substitute that adds tenderness to the cake.
While you’re waiting, in a large bowl, mix together canola oil and vanilla extract. After the soy milk mixture has had time to set, add it to the bowl with the oil and vanilla. Stir everything together until well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps prevent any lumps in the flour and gives the cake a smoother texture.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a whisk or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a denser cake. You want the batter to be smooth but still light and airy.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Tres Leches Milk Mixture
While your cake is cooling, you can start preparing the milk mixture that will give this cake its signature “three-milks” soak.
In a bowl, whisk together the full-fat coconut milk, vegan sweetened condensed milk, and oat milk. This creamy blend will soak into the cake and make it wonderfully moist. Taste it to make sure the sweetness is to your liking—if you prefer it sweeter, you can add a bit more sweetened condensed milk or a dash of maple syrup.
Once your cake has completely cooled, it’s time for the soaking step!
Soaking the Cake & Adding the Toppings
This is where the magic happens. The soaked cake transforms into the moist, indulgent dessert we all crave. Let’s dive into how to soak the cake and add the final touches!
Step 3: Soak the Cake
Now that your cake is completely cool, it’s time to give it that signature tres leches touch! Use a fork or a skewer to poke small holes all over the surface of the cake. This allows the milk mixture to fully soak into the cake, ensuring it’s moist throughout.
Pour the Milk Mixture:
Slowly pour your vegan tres leches milk mixture over the cake, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Don’t rush this process—give the cake time to absorb the liquid. It might look like a lot of milk, but the cake will soak it all up! Allow the cake to sit for at least 30 minutes to soak in the liquid. You can also refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight for even more flavor infusion.
You’ll notice the cake will puff up slightly as it soaks, becoming perfectly tender and creamy. This soaking step is what gives tres leches cake its iconic texture—rich but light, dense yet moist.
Step 4: Top with Coconut Whipped Cream
Once your cake has fully absorbed the milk mixture, it’s time to top it off with a generous layer of coconut whipped cream. You can make your own coconut whipped cream by chilling a can of coconut milk and whipping the solidified cream, or simply use store-bought Coco Whip for convenience.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake, making it as thick or thin as you like. This fluffy topping adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, moist cake underneath.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For an extra touch of flavor and beauty, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the whipped cream. If you like, you can also add a handful of sliced strawberries on top for a pop of color and freshness. The slight acidity of the strawberries balances out the sweetness of the cake, creating the perfect bite.
Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes to allow the whipped cream to set slightly before serving. For a slightly firmer texture, you can also chill it in the fridge for an hour.
Serving & Storing Your Vegan Tres Leches Cake
This vegan tres leches cake is now ready to be served, and I’m sure it’s going to be a hit! Whether you’re enjoying it for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply as a sweet treat, this cake offers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness.
Step 6: How to Serve Your Cake
When it comes to serving your Vegan Tres Leches Cake, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few suggestions to enhance your experience:
- Serve Chilled: While you can enjoy it right after topping with whipped cream, the cake is even better when chilled for a couple of hours. The flavors meld together, and the whipped cream firms up just a bit, making every bite a perfect blend of textures.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a lightly sweetened tea. The creaminess of the cake and whipped topping balances out the boldness of a strong cup of coffee.
- Garnish with Fruit: If you haven’t already added strawberries, consider serving with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even some lime zest for a tangy kick.
Storage Instructions
Since this cake is quite moist and rich, proper storage is key to maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
- How to Keep Vegan Tres Leches Cake Fresh: Store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The milk mixture helps keep it moist, so you won’t have to worry about it drying out.
- Freezing Vegan Tres Leches Cake: If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Conclusion
This Vegan Tres Leches Cake is a perfect dessert for anyone craving something rich, creamy, and indulgent but without the dairy. The combination of a light and fluffy cake soaked in a delicious, vegan-friendly milk mixture, topped with whipped cream and garnished with cinnamon and fruit, will surely make this dessert a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
