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 mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Servings 8 slices
Calories 220 kcal
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.
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.
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