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chocolate tres leches cake​

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake (Perfect for Any Occasion!)

Emily
Indulge in a rich, moist, and creamy Chocolate Tres Leches Cake. This easy recipe guides you to bake a bakery-style dessert everyone will love at home.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Electric mixer (optional for whipped cream)
  • Skewer or fork (for soaking holes)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Refrigerator

Ingredients
  

Cake Base

  • 1 ½ cups 180 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 50 g cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup 120 ml milk, lukewarm
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup 60 ml vegetable oil

Three Milks Mixture

  • 1 cup 240 ml sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup 240 ml evaporated milk
  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder optional, for extra chocolate flavor

Topping

  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream, chilled
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish
  • Optional: fresh strawberries for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cake Base

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, vanilla, and oil.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Pour into the prepared dish.
  • Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Three Milks Mixture

  • In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and cocoa powder. Mix well.

Soak the Cake

  • Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a skewer or fork.
  • Pour the milk mixture slowly over the cake, ensuring even absorption.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Prepare the Topping

  • Whip the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Spread whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.

Garnish and Serve

  • Top with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
  • Optionally, add fresh strawberries for color and flavor.
  • Serve chilled.

Notes

✅ Tips for Perfect Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

  • Use high-quality cocoa or melted chocolate to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • Avoid overbaking to keep the sponge light and moist.
  • Let the cake cool completely before pouring the milk mixture to prevent sogginess.
  • For a twist, add almond milk, soy milk, or a teaspoon of coffee to the milk mixture.

✅ Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

✅ Variations

  • Strawberry Chocolate Tres Leches: Layer fresh strawberry slices or drizzle strawberry syrup on top.
  • Nutty Chocolate Tres Leches: Add chopped nuts or almond slices for texture.
  • Mocha Twist: Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee to the milk mixture for a mocha flavor.