Caramel Tres Leches Cake Recipe: A Decadent Dessert Delight

Dive into the world of rich, moist, and utterly irresistible desserts with our Caramel Tres Leches Cake recipe. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. Imagine a light, airy sponge cake, lovingly soaked in a blend of three luscious milks, each bite infused with the warm, comforting notes of homemade caramel. Topped with a cloud of whipped cream and drizzled with even more caramel, this cake is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

This Caramel Tres Leches Cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to simple weekend indulgences. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that showcases your baking prowess and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

The inspiration for this recipe came from my fiance, Kal. He isn’t a huge cake person, especially when it comes to chocolate. But whenever we visited Publix, his eyes would always wander to their tres leches cake. So, for his birthday, I decided to surprise him with a homemade version, elevated with the addition of rich, homemade caramel. The result? A cake that surpassed all expectations and became an instant favorite.

What Makes This Caramel Tres Leches Cake Special?

This Caramel Tres Leches Cake stands out for several reasons:

The Perfect Sponge: The cake itself is light, airy, and spongey, providing the perfect canvas for soaking up the milk mixture.
Three-Milk Soak: The blend of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream creates a luxurious, creamy base that infuses every bite with moisture and flavor.
Homemade Caramel: We don’t just use store-bought caramel; we make our own, adding a depth of flavor and richness that’s simply unmatched. The caramel is incorporated into the cake batter, the milk soak, and the topping, ensuring a consistent and delightful caramel experience.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable and achievable.

Caramel Tres Leches Cake: Recipe Details

Ingredients:

Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
5 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup of caramel (homemade or store-bought)
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Milk Soak:

12 oz can of evaporated milk
14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup of caramel (homemade or store-bought)

Topping:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of caramel (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
Make the Homemade Caramel Sauce (Optional but Recommended):
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar over low heat.
- Once the sugar is fully melted and has turned a deep amber color, add in 1 stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter.
- Stir continuously over low heat until the butter is fully incorporated into the melted sugar.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.
- Stir until the cream is fully combined and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Stir in about 2 teaspoons of salt to create a salted caramel sauce. Let the caramel sauce cool completely before using.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent rise. Set aside.
Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the eggs, softened butter, and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Creaming the ingredients properly incorporates air, which is essential for a light and airy cake.
Add Caramel and Vanilla: Add the caramel sauce and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cake.
Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely in the pan while you prepare the milk soak and the whipped topping.
Prepare the Milk Soak: In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, and caramel sauce. This creamy mixture will soak into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once the cake is cooled, use a straw or a fork to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart. This allows the milk soak to penetrate the cake evenly.
Soak the Cake: Slowly and evenly pour the milk soak over the cake, making sure to saturate all the holes. The cake should be almost swimming in the milk mixture.
Prepare the Whipped Topping: In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can result in a grainy texture.
Top the Cake: Once the milk has soaked into the cake, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top.
Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce generously over the whipped topping.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to fully absorb the milk soak.

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Tres Leches Cake

Here are some tips to ensure your Caramel Tres Leches Cake turns out perfectly every time:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This will help them incorporate more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Use a Good Quality Caramel: If you’re using store-bought caramel, opt for a high-quality brand. Homemade caramel is always best, but a good store-bought option can work in a pinch.
Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Refrigerating the cake is essential for allowing the flavors to meld together and the cake to fully absorb the milk soak.
Get Creative with Toppings: While caramel is the star of this cake, feel free to add other toppings, such as chopped nuts, shaved chocolate, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Variations on the Caramel Tres Leches Cake

While our classic Caramel Tres Leches Cake is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking:

Chocolate Caramel Tres Leches Cake: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
Coconut Tres Leches Cake: Substitute coconut milk for some of the heavy cream in the milk soak.
Spiced Tres Leches Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Coffee Tres Leches Cake: Add a shot of espresso to the milk soak for a coffee-infused treat.

Serving and Storing Your Caramel Tres Leches Cake

Caramel Tres Leches Cake is best served chilled. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caramel Tres Leches Cake recipe is a winner for several reasons:

Impressive Flavor: The combination of moist sponge cake, creamy milk soak, and rich homemade caramel is simply irresistible.
Perfect Texture: The cake is light, airy, and incredibly moist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cake and the milk soak ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining.
Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized to your liking with different flavors and toppings.

In conclusion, our Caramel Tres Leches Cake recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. With its moist sponge cake, luscious three-milk soak, and rich homemade caramel, this cake is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow our easy-to-follow instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly decadent treat!

Enjoy!