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Chocolate Tres Leches Cake: A Decadent Recipe & Baking Guide


  • Total Time: 215 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x

Description

Moist chocolate cake soaked in a rich three-milk mixture and topped with chocolate whipped cream.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate liqueur (optional)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth and thin.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before poking holes all over the top with a fork.
  8. In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and chocolate liqueur (if using).
  9. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture evenly over the cooled cake, making sure to saturate every inch.
  10. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
  11. Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes.
  12. In the chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
  13. Spread the chocolate whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
  14. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.
  15. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Greasing and flouring the pan thoroughly is essential to prevent sticking.
  • Don’t overmix the cake batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
  • The boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor.
  • Poke plenty of holes in the cake to allow the tres leches mixture to soak in evenly.
  • Chilling the cake for at least 3 hours (or overnight) is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
  • Chilling the bowl and whisk before making the whipped cream helps it whip up faster and hold its shape better.
  • Be careful not to overwhip the whipped cream, or it will turn into butter.
  • The chocolate liqueur is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes