Mocha Tres Leches Cake: A Decadent, Coffee-Lover’s Dream
If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts, the Mocha Tres Leches Cake is one you won’t forget! This unique twist on the classic Latin American treat infuses deep coffee and chocolate flavors into an ultra-moist sponge cake, soaked in a luscious coffee-infused three-milk mixture. Topped with a velvety whipped coffee cream and a dusting of cocoa, every bite is indulgent and satisfying.
What makes this cake even more special? It’s an egg-free and dairy-free option, making it easy to prepare without sacrificing taste or texture. I’d give this dessert a solid 10/10 for its incredible richness and moistness—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Perfectly balanced flavors – The deep coffee notes cut through the sweetness, creating a harmonious blend.
✅ Exceptionally moist texture – Thanks to the classic tres leches soaking technique, the cake is soft and melts in your mouth.
✅ Great for any occasion – Whether it’s a dinner party or a cozy night in, this dessert is both comforting and sophisticated.
🛒 Ingredients
🥮 For the Cake
- 6 egg whites 🥚
- 75g granulated sugar 🍚
- 6 egg yolks 🟡
- 40g cocoa powder 🍫
- 80g plain flour 🌾
- 50ml vegetable oil (or any neutral-flavored oil) 🌻
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice 🍋
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup water 💧
🥛 For the Tres Leches Milk Mixture
- 200ml whole milk 🥛
- 350ml evaporated milk
- 380g condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee ☕
- 1 can NESTLÉ LA LECHERA Sweetened Condensed Milk
🍦 For the Whipped Cream Topping
- 480ml double cream 🥛
- Icing sugar (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
🎂 Alternative Cake Base (If Using Cake Mix)
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix 📦
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil 🌻
- 3 large eggs 🥚
☕ For the Coffee Flavor
- NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO 100% Pure Instant Coffee Granules
- 1 can NESTLÉ Media Crema
- 1 can NESTLÉ CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
- Pinch of warm water (to dissolve coffee granules)
🔹 Additional Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
👩🍳 Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease a 9×12-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
3️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together egg whites, sugar, egg yolks, flour, cocoa powder, oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined.
4️⃣ Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5️⃣ Let the cake cool completely before moving to the next step.
🥛 Step 2: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix together whole milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
2️⃣ Dissolve instant coffee granules in a small amount of warm water, then stir it into the milk mixture.
3️⃣ Use a fork or skewer to poke small holes all over the cooled cake.
4️⃣ Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in evenly.
5️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the best texture.
🍦 Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream & Assemble
1️⃣ In a large bowl, beat double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2️⃣ Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled, soaked cake.
3️⃣ Dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle chocolate shavings for an extra touch of mocha flavor.
🍽️ Serving & Storage
- Serve well-chilled for the best texture and flavor. ❄️
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 🧊
✨ Final Thoughts
This Mocha Tres Leches Cake is a dream for coffee and chocolate lovers alike! The flavors blend beautifully, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Enjoy every bite! 🍰☕
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Mocha Tres Leches Cake
1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes. In fact, this cake tastes even better when made in advance. Letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the milk mixture to soak in fully, making the cake even more moist and flavorful. Just add the whipped cream topping before serving.
2. Can I Use a Cake Mix Instead of Making It from Scratch?
Absolutely. If you want a quicker option, use a yellow or white cake mix. Follow the package instructions but replace some of the liquid with brewed coffee or espresso for a richer mocha flavor.
3. What’s the Best Way to Store This Cake?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Since it is a milk-soaked cake, it must be kept cold. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed.
4. Can I Make This Cake Dairy-Free?
Yes. Substitute the following for a dairy-free version:
- Whole milk → Almond, oat, or coconut milk
- Evaporated milk → Coconut evaporated milk
- Condensed milk → Dairy-free sweetened condensed coconut milk
- Whipped cream → Coconut whipped cream
This will keep the cake just as creamy and delicious.
5. How Do I Make the Coffee Flavor Stronger?
For a bolder coffee taste:
- Use espresso powder instead of instant coffee
- Increase the amount of coffee in the milk mixture
- Add coffee extract to the whipped cream
If you love an intense mocha flavor, these tweaks will take your cake to the next level.
☕🍫 Mocha Tres Leches Cake Recipe 🍰
Equipment
- Oven (for baking the cake) 🔥
- 9x12-inch baking dish 📏
- Mixing bowls (for cake batter, milk mixture, and whipped cream) 🥣
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (for whipping cream and beating egg whites) 🌀
- Fork or skewer (for testing cake doneness) 🍴
- Sieve (optional, for dusting cocoa powder) 🍫
- Refrigerator (for chilling the cake) ❄️
- Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the pan) 🧴
Ingredients
- 6 egg whites 🥚
- 75 g granulated sugar 🍚
- 6 egg yolks 🟡
- 40 g cocoa powder 🍫
- 80 g plain flour 🌾
- 50 ml vegetable oil or any neutral-flavored oil 🌻
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice 🍋
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup water 💧
- 🥛 Milk Mixture Ingredients
- 200 ml whole milk 🥛
- 350 ml evaporated milk 🥫
- 380 g condensed milk 🥫
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee ☕
- 1 can NESTLÉ LA LECHERA Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 🍦 Whipped Cream Ingredients
- 480 ml double cream 🥛
- Icing sugar to taste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
- 🎂 Alternative Cake Base If Using Cake Mix
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix 📦
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil 🌻
- 3 large eggs 🥚
- ☕ Coffee Flavor Ingredients
- NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO 100% Pure Instant Coffee Granules
- 1 can NESTLÉ Media Crema
- 1 can NESTLÉ CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
- Pinch of warm water to dissolve coffee granules
- 🔹 Additional Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing the pan
Instructions
- 🔥 Step 1: Prepare & Bake the Cake
- 1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2️⃣ Grease a 9x12-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- 3️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together egg whites, sugar, egg yolks, flour, cocoa powder, oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
- 4️⃣ Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 5️⃣ Allow the cake to cool completely before moving to the next step.
- 🥛 Step 2: Prepare the Tres Leches Milk Mixture
- 1️⃣ In a bowl, mix together whole milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- 2️⃣ Dissolve instant coffee granules in a small amount of warm water, then stir it into the milk mixture.
- 3️⃣ Use a fork or skewer to poke small holes all over the cooled cake.
- 4️⃣ Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in evenly.
- 5️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the best texture.
- 🍦 Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream & Assemble
- 1️⃣ In a large bowl, beat double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- 2️⃣ Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled, soaked cake.
- 3️⃣ Dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle chocolate shavings for an extra mocha touch.
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