Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

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This Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is a luscious twist on the classic Latin American dessert. It combines a moist, airy chocolate sponge with a creamy trio of milks soaked right into the cake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both decadent and light. Topped with a whipped cream frosting and chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you’re simply craving something rich and dreamy.

Each bite brings together deep cocoa flavor with the sweet, velvety texture of tres leches. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Serve chilled and get ready for rave reviews from anyone who tries it.

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What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For the richest flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It provides a smoother, deeper chocolate taste and a dark color that complements the creamy milk mixture beautifully. However, if you’re in a pinch, unsweetened natural cocoa powder will also work.

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Ingredients for the Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish

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How To Make the Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Beat the Egg Yolks

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of the sugar until thick and pale. Add in the milk and vanilla extract, then mix in the dry ingredients just until combined.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Fold and Bake

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Add the Tres Leches

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Once the cake has cooled slightly, poke holes all over with a fork and slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake. Let it soak in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Spread whipped cream over the chilled cake and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

Serve this cake cold straight from the fridge, ideally with an extra spoonful of the tres leches mixture for added decadence. It’s perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or as a birthday cake alternative.

To store, cover the cake tightly and keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake (without milk mixture) for up to a month. Just thaw, add the milk soak, and chill before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This cake tastes even better when made a day ahead, as it gives the milk time to soak through the sponge fully.

Can I use boxed cake mix?

You can, but making it from scratch provides a much richer flavor and better texture.

What kind of whipped cream should I use?

Homemade whipped cream with a touch of vanilla and sugar is best, but store-bought works too in a pinch.

Is it overly sweet?

Despite the condensed milk, the richness of the chocolate and the balance of whipped cream help prevent it from being cloying.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use two 8-inch pans for a layer version, but you’ll need to adjust baking time and milk quantities accordingly.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Absolutely. This is a milk-soaked cake, so it must stay chilled until serving.

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Want More Chocolate Dessert Ideas?

If this Chocolate Tres Leches Cake satisfied your chocolate cravings, you’ll adore these other tempting treats:

• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake with a vibrant fruity twist.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars for that rich and nutty indulgence.
• Pistachio Cheesecake Brownies for a nutty, creamy fusion.
• Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies that come together in minutes.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars if you’re in the mood for buttery cinnamon layers.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this Chocolate Tres Leches Cake to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use cocoa powder or go full dark chocolate? Did you dress it up with berries?

I love seeing how everyone adds their own twist. If you have questions, drop them below—baking is better when we learn together.

For more delicious inspiration, check out my daily creations on Pinterest – Nina Dishes

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