This Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is a decadent twist on the traditional Tres Leches cake, incorporating rich chocolate flavor into the base and the milk mixture. The cake is soaked in a blend of three types of milk—sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and regular milk—with cocoa powder, making it incredibly moist and indulgent. Topped with light and fluffy chocolate whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers and ideal for any special occasion or gathering.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ⅓ teaspoon baking soda

• ⅔ cup hot coffee

• ½ cup Dutch cocoa powder

For the Tres Leches (Milk Mixture):

• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)

• ½ cup evaporated milk

• ½ cup whole milk

• 2 tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder

For the Chocolate Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

• ⅔ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, buttermilk, and vegetable oil until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.

3. Add the Cocoa and Coffee:
   In a small bowl, dissolve the cocoa powder in the hot coffee. Add the cocoa-coffee mixture to the cake batter and mix until well combined.

4. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 20-30 minutes, then poke holes all over the surface using a fork.

5. Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture:
   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and cocoa powder until smooth. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cooled cake, allowing it to soak in evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

6. Make the Chocolate Whipped Cream:
   In a cold mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.

7. Top the Cake:
   Once the cake has soaked up the milk mixture, spread the chocolate whipped cream evenly over the top. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, if desired.

8. Serve:
   Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 51g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

• Trans Fat: 0.03g

• Cholesterol: 77mg

• Sodium: 207mg

• Potassium: 261mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 35g

• Vitamin A: 592 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 163mg

• Iron: 1mg

A Rich and Moist Cake

One of the signature qualities of Tres Leches cake is its moist texture. The cake itself is light, spongy, and airy, but it soaks up the three types of milk that make it incredibly tender and indulgent. By incorporating Dutch cocoa powder into the batter, this version of the classic cake brings out a rich chocolate flavor that infuses the entire dessert. When combined with the milk mixture, the result is a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience that is far more flavorful than any ordinary cake.

The addition of hot coffee to the batter deepens the chocolate flavor even further, allowing it to take on a rich, almost mocha-like undertone. This small touch makes a huge difference, giving the cake a complexity that is balanced by the sweetness of the milk mixture. The combination of these elements creates a cake that’s not only moist but incredibly satisfying, with every bite offering a perfect blend of chocolate and creamy sweetness.

The Tres Leches Milk Mixture

What sets a traditional Tres Leches cake apart from other cakes is the three-milk soaking process. In this recipe, the classic milk mixture gets a chocolate makeover with the addition of Dutch cocoa powder. This enriches the flavor, making the milk soak not only a vehicle for moisture but also an additional layer of chocolate goodness.

Sweetened condensed milk provides the rich, sugary sweetness that is characteristic of Tres Leches cake, while evaporated milk adds a smooth, creamy texture. Whole milk rounds out the blend, ensuring that the milk mixture is not overly sweet and remains balanced. The cocoa powder helps to bind these elements together, turning what is typically a plain milk bath into a chocolate-infused soak that takes the flavor of the cake to the next level.

When poured over the baked cake, the milk mixture seeps deep into the sponge, making the cake incredibly moist while still holding its structure. This is the signature characteristic of a Tres Leches cake: the ability to soak up an incredible amount of liquid without falling apart. The result is a decadent, gooey cake that’s bursting with flavor.

Fluffy Chocolate Whipped Cream Topping

The finishing touch to this Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is the light and airy chocolate whipped cream that sits on top of the soaked cake. This whipped cream is not overly sweet but has just the right amount of cocoa to enhance the chocolate flavor of the cake and milk soak. It’s made by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until soft, billowy peaks form. The whipped cream adds a lightness to the cake, balancing out the richness of the chocolate and milk.

The key to perfect whipped cream is not over-beating it. If whipped too much, the cream can turn grainy and lose its smooth texture. When done right, it should be velvety and smooth, providing a soft contrast to the dense, chocolate-soaked cake beneath it. This topping also gives the cake its characteristic creamy look, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder, which adds a little extra texture and makes it look even more indulgent. This finishing touch elevates the cake from a simple dessert to a sophisticated treat suitable for any celebration.

Serving and Presentation

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is an excellent choice for any special occasion, from birthday parties to holidays or even a casual get-together. Its moist, chocolate-infused flavor and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. The cake is simple to serve—cut into squares or slices and topped with whipped cream, it can be plated beautifully for a formal gathering or served casually for a family dinner.

Because this cake is so rich, it’s best served in small portions. Each bite is packed with flavor and will satisfy any sweet tooth. The cake also pairs beautifully with a wide range of beverages. A cup of coffee or espresso complements the chocolatey richness of the cake, while a glass of cold milk or a sweet dessert wine will round out the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the benefits of Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s often recommended to let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few hours—or even overnight—before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, giving the cake an even richer, more cohesive taste.

Once assembled, the cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. The whipped cream topping will stay light and fluffy if stored properly, and the cake itself will continue to absorb the milk mixture, becoming even more flavorful as it sits. If you plan to store it for longer than a few days, it’s best to freeze the cake before adding the whipped cream topping. When ready to serve, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator, then top with fresh whipped cream just before serving.

Customization Options

While this recipe is already a delicious twist on the classic Tres Leches cake, there are several ways to customize it to your liking. For those who prefer a less sweet dessert, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the cake or milk mixture. If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, try adding a bit more cocoa powder to the cake batter or the milk mixture.

For a more decadent version, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers before pouring the milk mixture over it. This adds even more chocolate depth and richness to the cake. You can also experiment with different flavored whipped creams, such as adding a hint of espresso powder or liqueur like Kahlúa or Baileys to enhance the flavor profile.

Conclusion: A Decadent Twist on a Classic

In conclusion, Chocolate Tres Leches Cake is a decadent, indulgent dessert that brings a delicious twist to the traditional Tres Leches cake. With its rich chocolate flavor, creamy milk soak, and light whipped cream topping, it offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday, special occasion, or just a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy any chocolate lover. Its make-ahead convenience and customizable elements make it a versatile choice for various events, ensuring that your guests will be delighted with every bite.