Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake Recipe
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Combines traditional tres leches richness with cozy pumpkin spice flavors
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Incredibly moist and tender texture from the milk soak
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Easy to prepare in a single pan for feeding a crowd
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Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or parties
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Customizable with your favorite spices or toppings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
large eggs, separated
granulated sugar
whole milk
pumpkin puree
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
ground cloves (optional)
For the Milk Mixture
evaporated milk
sweetened condensed milk
heavy cream
pumpkin puree
pumpkin pie spice
For the Whipped Topping
heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon (optional, for dusting)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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Separate the eggs. Beat the egg yolks with sugar until thick and pale. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla, and milk.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently.
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In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold them into the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool for 15 minutes, then poke holes all over the top with a fork.
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Mix together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Just before serving, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread it over the cake and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 12 to 15
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Prep time: 30 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Chill time: At least 4 hours (overnight recommended)
Variations
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Maple twist: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the milk mixture or whipped topping for extra autumn flavor.
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Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
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Boozy version: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to the milk mixture for a grown-up dessert.
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Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk, almond milk, and a dairy-free whipped topping substitute.
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Gluten-free option: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor and texture actually improve after sitting.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as the milk soak and whipped topping may separate or alter texture.
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Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature. Do not microwave or heat it.
FAQs
What is tres leches cake?
Tres leches cake is a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree to control sweetness and spice levels, as pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced.
Why do I need to separate the eggs?
Separating the eggs and beating the whites gives the cake its airy texture, which helps absorb the milk mixture more evenly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making a day in advance since it needs time to absorb the milk soak.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
What type of pan should I use?
A standard 9×13-inch pan works best for soaking and serving this cake.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped topping, but homemade whipped cream offers a fresher taste.
Do I have to use all three milks?
Using all three milks gives the cake its signature flavor and richness. Substituting may affect the result.
Is this dessert overly sweet?
Despite using sweetened condensed milk, the pumpkin and spices balance the sweetness nicely.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely. Feel free to add ginger, cardamom, or even a dash of black pepper for depth.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake is a delicious seasonal twist on a classic dessert. Its ultra-moist, spiced flavor makes it a favorite for fall, especially during Thanksgiving or cozy family get-togethers. Easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to love—this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
