Chocolate Tres Leches Cake Recipe

If you adore decadent desserts, prepare yourself for the ultimate treat! Chocolate Tres Leches Cake takes a beloved classic and gives it an irresistibly rich twist. Imagine a soft, airy chocolate cake soaked with a trio of creamy milks, all topped with a luscious chocolate whipped cream and delicate chocolate shavings. This recipe is a celebration of chocolate and nostalgia, coming together for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s as fun to make as it is to share. Get ready to fall in love with every moist, dreamy bite of Chocolate Tres Leches Cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for this Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is truly easy, and you’ll find that each ingredient serves a deliciously important role. From the cocoa-powered sponge to the trio of milks and cloud-like topping, every element brings something special to this recipe’s flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake, giving it just the right crumb so it can absorb the milky soak without collapsing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness to both the cake and the creamy topping.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: The essential ingredient for deep, chocolatey flavor in both the sponge and whipped topping.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together as leaveners to help the cake rise and stay light.
• Ground cinnamon: Gives a subtle warmth that beautifully enhances the chocolate notes.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch makes all the chocolate and sweetness pop.
• Milk (divided): Both in the batter and the soak, milk ensures the cake is exceptionally moist and delicious.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb incredibly tender and allows the sponge to soak in all the milk.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake lift and richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, fragrant touch that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
• Sweetened condensed milk: One part of the “tres leches,” adding a creamy sweetness to the soaking mixture.
• Evaporated milk: The second milk, bringing a rich, velvety texture and that classic tres leches flavor.
• Heavy cream: For the ultimate whipped chocolate topping (and a hint more in the soak).
• Granulated sugar (for topping): Gives the whipped cream a touch of sweetness and stability.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping): Makes the whipped topping chocolatey and gorgeous.
• Vanilla extract (for topping): Brings the whipped cream together with mellow, creamy notes.
• Chocolate shavings: The perfect, elegant finish that adds a little flare and extra chocolate!

How to Make Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. A well-prepared 9×13-inch pan ensures your cake releases easily, so go ahead and coat it generously with cooking spray, olive oil, or good old-fashioned butter. Set the pan to the side, already dreaming of what’s to come!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and add your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and that important pinch of kosher salt. Stir everything together until the mix looks evenly combined and almost velvety. This is where the deep chocolate base of your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake begins.

Step 3: Bring in the Wet Ingredients

Add 2 cups of milk, the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract right into the dry mix. Whisk until everything comes together in a gloriously smooth, chocolatey batter. This step is so satisfying, and you’ll start to smell those dreamy cocoa notes wafting up.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to even out the top if needed. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes—just enough time to get your three-milk mixture ready.

Step 5: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk until everything is blended and creamy. This trio is what transforms a simple chocolate sponge into Chocolate Tres Leches Cake magic.

Step 6: Poke and Soak

Use a knife or spatula to gently loosen the edges of the cake from the pan. Grab a skewer or a big fork, then poke holes all over the cake. Don’t be shy—those holes are the pathway for all that dreamy tres leches mixture to soak in! Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny.

Step 7: Chill and Absorb

Cover the pan and refrigerate your cake for at least two hours. This waiting time lets the cake absorb all that luscious milk, transforming it from a regular cake into the iconic, ultra-moist dessert we all crave.

Step 8: Make the Chocolate Whipped Topping

While your cake is chilling, whip up the topping! In a large bowl, pour in the heavy cream, a bit of sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Whip it with a hand or stand mixer on high speed until soft peaks form—think of thick, pillowy clouds of chocolate goodness. Set it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to decorate.

Step 9: Finish and Serve!

When the cake is completely cooled and beautifully soaked, top it with the chocolate whipped cream, swooping and swirling as you like. For a final touch, sprinkle over plenty of chocolate shavings. This is where Chocolate Tres Leches Cake truly shines—rich, creamy, and ready to impress!

How to Serve Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

Garnishes

Garnishing your Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is not only about making it look pretty—it’s also about adding a little texture and contrast. Sprinkle chocolate shavings, dust with extra cocoa, or even add a few fresh berries for a beautifully balanced bite. They make each slice feel worthy of a special occasion (even if it’s just a Tuesday night).

Side Dishes

This chocolatey dessert is rich and dreamy on its own, but it plays well with bold or light flavors! Pair it with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or simply a hot espresso or glass of cold milk. The creamy, milky cake is the main event, while anything else is there purely for fun.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go the extra mile, try making mini versions of Chocolate Tres Leches Cake in individual ramekins or mason jars for the ultimate dinner party dessert. You can also serve it in squares on a platter, topped with a ribbon of ganache or a playful sprinkle of edible gold flakes. It’s impossible not to get a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake tastes just as fabulous the next day—if not better! Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The milk keeps the cake moist, and the flavors only meld more beautifully with time.

Freezing

If you want to get really ahead, you can freeze the cake (without the whipped topping) for up to a month. Just wrap it securely in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add your whipped topping and chocolate shavings fresh for serving.

Reheating

While Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is typically served chilled, if you ever want to take the chill off or you’re working with a frozen slice, set it at room temperature for 30 minutes before adding the whipped topping. The texture remains wonderful, soft, and lusciously moist.

FAQs

What makes Chocolate Tres Leches Cake different from regular tres leches?

This version swaps the traditional vanilla sponge for a rich chocolate base while still soaking up the trio of milks. The final touch is a fluffy chocolate whipped cream, making this cake extra decadent for chocolate lovers.

Do I need to let the cake soak overnight?

While a two-hour soak is usually plenty, letting the cake rest overnight allows even more flavor development and ensures every bite is luxuriously moist. It’s perfect if you want to prepare dessert ahead for a party.

Can I use non-dairy milks or make this cake dairy-free?

If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milks in the cake batter and soak, and opt for coconut whipped topping. The result won’t be quite as classic, but it’s still absolutely delicious!

How far ahead can I make Chocolate Tres Leches Cake?

This dessert is perfect for making in advance. You can bake and soak the cake up to two days before serving, then add the whipped topping just before guests arrive to keep it fluffy and fresh.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Add a sprinkle of instant espresso powder to the batter for mocha vibes, or fold a handful of mini chocolate chips for surprise pockets of melty chocolate. The base recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dessert, Chocolate Tres Leches Cake delivers every time. The rich cocoa sponge, luscious milk soak, and dreamy whipped topping are guaranteed to win hearts. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this unforgettable cake soon!

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