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Vegan Tres Leches Cake Ready to Serve

Vegan Tres Leches Cake

Emma
Discover the ultimate vegan tres leches cake recipe! Moist, creamy, and dairy-free, it's a delicious treat for all dessert lovers. Try it today!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • All-Purpose Flour 1 ¾ cups – The base for a tender and fluffy cake.
  • Baking Powder 1 ½ teaspoons – Ensures your cake rises beautifully.
  • Salt ½ teaspoon – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Cane Sugar ¾ cup – For just the right level of sweetness.
  • Plant-Based Milk 1 cup, unsweetened almond or soy – Keeps the cake moist and dairy-free.
  • Neutral Oil ⅓ cup, such as canola or vegetable – Adds moisture without overpowering flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon – For that classic cake aroma.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tablespoon – Acts as a vegan-friendly leavening agent.

For the Tres Leches Soak

  • Coconut Milk 1 cup, full-fat – Adds rich, creamy depth.
  • Almond Milk 1 cup, unsweetened – Lightens the mixture while keeping it dairy-free.
  • Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk ½ cup – Provides the signature sweetness and velvety texture.

For the Topping

  • Vegan Whipped Cream 1 cup – The finishing touch for that light, cloud-like layer.
  • Ground Cinnamon optional – For a sprinkle of warmth and spice.
  • Fresh Berries or Toasted Coconut Flakes optional – Add color, texture, and a hint of freshness.

Optional Additions

  • Orange Zest ½ teaspoon – For a citrusy twist.
  • Ground Cardamom ¼ teaspoon – Adds a unique, aromatic flavor.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the plant-based milk, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to activate the vinegar’s magic.
  • Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Tres Leches Soak

  • Mix the Milks: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, almond milk, and sweetened condensed coconut milk until smooth.
  • Poke the Cake: Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the cooled cake. This allows the soak to fully absorb into the cake.
  • Pour the Soak: Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, ensuring even coverage. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

  • Spread Whipped Cream: Once the cake has soaked up the milk mixture, top it with a generous layer of vegan whipped cream.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or add a handful of fresh berries or toasted coconut flakes for extra flair.

Notes

Recipe Recap for Vegan Tres Leches Cake
Recipe Details:
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Calories: 220 per slice
Nutrition Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 15g
Categorize the Recipe:
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Latin-inspired
  • Diet: Vegan, Dairy-Free
  • Method: Baking, Layering
  • Keyword: Vegan Tres Leches Cake, Vegan Dessert, Dairy-Free Cake
  • Skill Level: Intermediate