Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for rich, moist desserts that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then this Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This delightful treat combines a beautifully tender sponge soaked in a luscious blend of three milks, enhanced by the irresistible sweetness of caramel, or dulce de leche. The result is a dreamy cake that’s decadently moist with a flavor that’s both comforting and extravagantly indulgent. Every slice tells a story of creamy texture and caramel bliss that simply can’t be beaten.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a starring role in building the magic of this Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe. From the fluffy texture to the creamy soaking milk and that caramel punch, every element is essential in flavor and structure.

• 1 1/2 Cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides the perfect crumb for your cake.
• 2 1/4 TSP baking powder: This natural leavening agent helps your cake rise beautifully fluffy.
• 3/4 TSP salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
• 12 TBSP unsalted butter at room temperature: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake crumb.
• 1 Cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb and moist texture.
• 1 1/2 TSP vanilla extract: Brings warm aromatic notes that complement the caramel flavor.
• 5 eggs: Vital for structure, moisture, and lift.
• 2 Cup whole milk: Part of the liquid soak that makes the cake luxuriously moist.
• 1 Cup sweetened condensed milk: Thick and sweet, it lends richness and sweetness in the milk mixture.
• 1 Cup buttermilk: Adds tangy balance and tenderizes the crumb further.
• 1/3 Cup dulce de leche: The star caramel component that infuses the milk soak with irresistible flavor.
• 1 1/2 TSP vanilla extract: Enhances the fragrant notes in the milk soak.
• 2 Cup heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection for the luscious topping.
• 1/3 Cup dulce de leche: Swirled into the cream for an extra caramel kick.
• 1 TBSP dulce de leche: Used as a finishing drizzle for eye-catching presentation and flavor bursts.

How to Make Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 X 13 inch baking dish and set it aside – this prep step ensures your cake bakes evenly and won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple mix is your dry base, perfectly balanced to give the cake structure without toughness.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

Using an electric or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar along with 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until the mixture becomes very pale and creamy. Scrape down the bowl occasionally to incorporate everything fully — this step adds air and lightness to your batter.

Step 4: Add eggs and flour mixture

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each addition is fully mixed before adding the next. Then, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking your batter.

Step 5: Final mixing and bake

Scrape the bowl again and stir the batter gently to ensure no pockets of flour remain. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your cake cool completely in the pan to get ready for soaking.

Step 6: Prepare the milk soak

In a large cup or bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, buttermilk, 1/3 cup dulce de leche, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This luscious mixture is what will transform your cake into a moist marvel.

Step 7: Poke and soak the cake

Use a knife or the back of a spoon to poke holes evenly across the entire top of the cooled cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake to ensure it soaks in deeply. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight — this soaking time is what makes the tres leches cake uniquely luscious.

Step 8: Whip the topping

In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of dulce de leche. Whip using a hand or stand mixer until soft peaks form. This creamy topping adds a light and sweet contrast to the dense, soaked cake.

Step 9: Finish and decorate

Spread the whipped dulce de leche cream evenly over the cake. Drizzle 1/3 cup more dulce de leche in lines across the top, then use a butter knife or toothpick to create pretty swirls for a decorative and delicious finish.

How to Serve Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries make a beautiful, tangy complement to the rich caramel flavors. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few sprigs of mint can also add color and texture, turning each slice into a visual and flavorful celebration.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweet richness. Coffee or a lightly brewed tea also work perfectly to cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve this Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe in individual glass jars or clear dessert cups to showcase the soaked layers beautifully. You can also turn it into mini tres leches cupcakes, topped with caramel whipped cream and caramel drizzle for a portable twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to keep it moist and fresh. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days — just keep it chilled to maintain that creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake, but for best results, freeze it without the whipped cream topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the topping fresh.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not needed. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use evaporated milk instead of whole milk in the soak?

Yes, evaporated milk is a common substitute and will still give a rich flavor, but whole milk offers a slightly lighter texture that complements the dulce de leche beautifully.

How long does the cake stay moist after soaking?

Because of the milk soak, the cake stays incredibly moist for about 3 to 4 days when refrigerated properly — making it perfect for making ahead of time.

What is dulce de leche, and can I substitute it?

Dulce de leche is a caramel-like milk-based sauce popular in Latin American desserts. You can try substituting with caramel sauce, but dulce de leche gives this recipe its signature deep caramel richness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.

Is it necessary to poke holes before pouring the milk soak?

Yes, poking holes allows the milk mixture to penetrate deeply so every bite is soaked and rich — it’s a crucial step for that classic tres leches texture.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe is truly a showstopper, blending simplicity and indulgence in one unforgettable dessert. Its moist, caramel-infused layers are perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet treat filled with love and warmth. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen too!

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