Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

A decadent twist on the classic Latin American dessert, Chocolate Tres Leches Cake combines the richness of chocolate with the moist, milky texture that makes tres leches so beloved. This indulgent cake is soaked in a trio of chocolate-infused milks and topped with a luscious chocolate whipped cream, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The addition of cocoa powder and chocolate milk enhances the traditional tres leches cake with deep chocolate notes.
• Moist and Creamy Texture: Soaking the cake in three types of milk ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
• Elegant Presentation: Topped with chocolate whipped cream and garnished with chocolate shavings, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Tres Leches Mixture

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Topping

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat Egg Yolks: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Poke Holes: Allow the cake to cool completely. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
9. Prepare Tres Leches Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and cocoa powder until well combined.
10. Soak Cake: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
11. Make Whipped Topping: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
12. Top and Serve: Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake and garnish with chocolate shavings. Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Chill Time: 3 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours

Variations

• Spiced Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the batter for a Mexican hot chocolate twist.
• Mocha Flavor: Incorporate a tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the milk mixture for a coffee-infused version.
• Fruit Topping: Top the cake with fresh berries or sliced bananas for added freshness and flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, over the whipped cream for a crunchy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cake (without the whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the topping before serving.
• Reheating: This cake is best served cold. Reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture.

FAQs

What is tres leches cake?

Tres leches cake is a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk or cream. This process gives the cake a moist, rich texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is ideal for making ahead. In fact, it tastes better when allowed to soak overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to develop.

Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake?

Poking holes allows the milk mixture to penetrate the cake thoroughly, ensuring even soaking and a moist texture throughout.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

While homemade cake yields the best texture and flavor, a boxed chocolate cake mix can be used for convenience. Follow the package instructions and proceed with the soaking and topping steps.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy?

Ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding the milk mixture, and refrigerate it for several hours to allow proper absorption without becoming overly soggy.

Can I use different types of milk?

Yes, you can experiment with different milk combinations, such as using chocolate milk or adding a splash of flavored liqueur for a unique twist.

What toppings can I use besides whipped cream?

Alternatives include meringue, cream cheese frosting, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel can also enhance the presentation and flavor.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

The cake base can be frozen before adding the milk mixture and topping. Thaw and proceed with soaking and decorating when ready to serve.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How long does the whipped cream topping last?

The whipped cream topping is best enjoyed fresh but can hold up for a day or two when stored in the refrigerator. For best results, add the topping shortly before serving.

Conclusion

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake offers a delightful fusion of rich chocolate flavor and the classic moist texture of traditional tres leches. Its elegant appearance and indulgent taste make it a standout dessert for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress and delight.

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