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Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake

As a delightful twist on a classic dessert, this fall-inspired version of tres leches cake features rich pumpkin and an array of comforting seasonal spices. It’s perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply indulging yourself at home!

What is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres Leches, which translates to “three milks,” is a traditional Mexican dessert made from a light sponge cake soaked in a luscious mix of whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. The result is a moist, creamy cake that melts in your mouth. The beauty of tres leches cake lies in its versatility, allowing you to customize it according to your taste.

Why Everyone Loves This Pumpkin Spiced Tres Leches Cake

It’s simple to make: This cake is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. You can’t mess it up!
The flavors are amazing: With a combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream, this cake captures the essence of fall in every bite.
You can mix it up: This recipe opens the door to numerous substitutions. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need (Full Recipe Below)

Pumpkin Puree: A 15oz can of your favorite brand, as it adds both flavor and color!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here.
Baking Powder: This gives the cake its lovely structure.
Eggs: Large eggs are ideal for this recipe.
Milk: You can use whole, almond, oat, macadamia, or soy milk—choose what you love!
Evaporated Milk: A must-have to achieve that signature tres leches flavor.
Sweet Condensed Milk: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Vanilla: Essential for that warm, inviting aroma.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt will create that perfect fall flavor.
Bourbon, Whiskey, or Rum (Optional): This can enhance the flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth.

Let Your Cake Soak Overnight

For the best results, let your cake soak in the milk mixture overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a wonderfully moist texture. The longer it soaks, the more delicious it becomes!

How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Tres Leches Cake (Step-by-Step)

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat together the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Bake the cake: Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour the cake batter into it. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make your milk mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whatever liquor you choose to add. Don’t forget the spices!
Add the milk mixture: Once the cake has cooled, poke multiple holes across the surface with a fork—about 20-25 holes should do. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it absorbs well.
Chill the cake: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deepen.
Finish the cake: Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until it reaches a fluffy consistency. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon, if desired. Slice and serve!