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Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake Recipe

4.7 from 71 reviews

This Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake combines the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin cake with the traditional Latin American tres leches milk soak, resulting in a moist, creamy dessert that’s perfect for fall celebrations or anytime you crave a luscious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Cake

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Milk Mixture

  • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup whole milk

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pumpkin Cake Batter: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
  3. Prepare the Milk Soak: In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk until smooth.
  4. Soak the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to soak thoroughly.
  5. Make the Whipped Cream Topping: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  6. Serve: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake before serving. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted pumpkin seeds.

Notes

  • For best results, allow the cake to soak overnight so the milk mixture fully absorbs.
  • You can substitute the pumpkin puree with homemade puree from fresh pumpkin if preferred.
  • To decrease sweetness, adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the milk soak.
  • This cake is best served chilled and enjoyed within 3 days of preparation.

Keywords: Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake, Pumpkin Cake, Tres Leches, Fall Dessert, Moist Cake