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As the rich scent of freshly brewed espresso envelops my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement for what’s to come. Today, I’m diving into the delightful world of Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake—a dessert that effortlessly blends a beloved classic with a caffeinated twist. This cake isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about creating an experience that whisks you away with every moist, cream-soaked bite.

After a long day, there’s nothing better than treating myself to a slice of this velvety cake, bursting with flavor and a touch of warmth. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy gathering or a simple afternoon treat with friends. The best part? It may look like a showstopper, but it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Whether you’re a passionate home cook or someone weary of fast food, this recipe will rekindle your love for baking. Let’s journey together through the steps to crafting this delicious Coffee Tres Leches Cake that’s destined to become a household favorite!

Why is Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake special?

Deliciously Unique: This cake is a delightful twist on the traditional tres leches, infused with rich coffee to elevate the flavor profile to new heights.

Irresistibly Moist: The three types of milk soak into the sponge, creating a cake that’s unbelievably moist and creamy.

Effortless Elegance: You can impress your guests without complicated techniques, making it ideal for any home cook!

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether at a birthday party or a casual get-together, this cake brings smiles and satisfied taste buds to your table.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at brunch, dinner, or as a sweet pick-me-up in the afternoon—its versatility knows no bounds!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: For those craving a homemade dessert but tired of fast food, this recipe will make you fall in love with baking all over again!

Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

All-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cake, providing structure and texture.
Sugar – Adding sweetness to your cake and balancing the rich flavors.
Baking powder – This helps the cake rise and achieve a delightful fluffiness.
Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavor, making everything taste more vibrant.
Eggs – Using eggs at room temperature helps create a light and airy batter.
Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and adds a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (preferably Mexican) – Enhances the flavor profile, offering warm and rich notes.
Cream of tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites when whipped, ensuring a fluffy meringue.

For the Tres Leches Soak

Heavy cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the soaking liquid.
Evaporated milk – Contributes a slightly caramelized flavor and a creamier texture.
Sweetened condensed milk – A key player in making this cake decadently sweet and moist.
Freshly brewed espresso or strongly brewed coffee – Infuses the cake with a deep coffee flavor, truly making it a Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake.
Vanilla extract (preferably Mexican) – For an added layer of flavor that complements the other milks.
Cinnamon – Adds warm spice notes that beautifully enhance the coffee flavor.

For the Meringue

Sugar – Sweetens the meringue, making it stick together while providing a glossy finish.
Egg whites – Essential for the airy texture of the meringue.
Cream of tartar – Helps stabilize and add volume to your meringue, keeping it looking fluffy.
Extra cinnamon for dusting (or cocoa powder, or espresso powder) – Use this to finish the cake and add a beautiful presentation touch.

How to Make Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake

Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan for six large muffins with muffin papers or use little ramekins lined with parchment for a lovely presentation.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Prepare Egg Yolks: Separate the eggs, placing the whites in the bowl of a mixer and the yolks in a medium bowl. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of water to the egg yolks, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Beat Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar in the mixer until they start to thicken and soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 6 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold in 1/3 of the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture, then fold in 1/3 of the beaten egg whites. Repeat this process (flour and egg whites) until everything is smoothly incorporated.
Bake the Cakes: Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin tins and place them in the oven. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the tops spring back when touched. Once done, allow them to cool slightly before gently inverting into a deep 13×9 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Tres Leches Soak: In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, freshly brewed espresso, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well mixed.
Soak the Cakes: Slowly and evenly pour the milk mixture over the cooled cakes, allowing them to soak thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the cakes absorb the liquids.
Make the Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar with 1/3 cup water, bringing it to a boil over high heat while gently swirling until dissolved. Be sure to clean the sides of the pan with a wet brush to avoid crystallization.
Cook the Syrup: Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and continue boiling until the syrup reaches the soft ball stage, approximately 240°F (115°C).
Whip Meringue: While the syrup is boiling, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
Combine Syrup and Meringue: With the mixer running, gradually drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites. Continue to beat until the bottom of the bowl feels cool, resulting in a beautifully fluffy meringue.
Serve: Place each soaked cake on a plate, topping with a generous dollop of meringue. For a showstopper, toast the peaks with a kitchen torch and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or your choice of cocoa or espresso powder.

Optional: Serve with a side of fresh fruit for added freshness!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake

Fridge: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to preserve the cake for longer, wrap individual servings tight in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It can last up to 2 months.
Thawing: To enjoy from the freezer, transfer the wrapped cake to the fridge overnight to thaw. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Reheating: For a warm treat, pop slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake!

Make Ahead Options

These Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake treats are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep! You can bake the cakes up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their moisture. For the tres leches soak, prepare the heavy cream, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon mixture up to 3 days ahead, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. When you’re prepared to delight your family or guests, simply soak the cakes in the milk mixture, cover them, and chill for at least 1 hour before adding the meringue topping. With these simple make-ahead tips, you’ll have a luscious dessert that tastes just as delicious on serving day!

Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful recipe to your taste buds, adding exciting twists along the way!

Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and dairy-free milk for a tropical take.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-friendly.
Decadent Chocolate: Stir in some cocoa powder into the flour mixture or drizzle with dark chocolate ganache for a rich chocolate version.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg to the milk soak for a surprising hint of warmth that’ll dance on your palate.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely ground almonds or hazelnuts into the batter for a delightful nutty flavor and a hint of crunch.
Fruity Delight: Add crushed pineapple or mashed bananas into the milk soak for a sweet, fruit-infused twist that pairs beautifully with the coffee.
Extra Coffee Kick: Use cold brew concentrate in the soak to amplify that luscious coffee flavor for true coffee lovers.
Layered Elegance: Turn it into a multi-layer cake by baking in two round pans, adding layers of whipped cream and fresh berries in between for a show-stopping dessert.

Tips for the Best Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake

Egg Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs for the cake; they whip better and contribute to a fluffier texture.
Gentle Folding: When combining flour and egg mixtures, fold gently to maintain airiness. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake.
Soaking Time: Allow the cakes to soak in the tres leches mixture for at least an hour in the refrigerator. This step ensures they become irresistibly moist.
Perfect Meringue: Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites. Any grease can prevent them from reaching the right consistency.
Syrup Temperature: When preparing your sugar syrup, closely monitor the temperature. Pouring it in too quickly can deflate the meringue.
Presentation Touch: Dust the finished cake with additional cinnamon or cocoa powder for an elegant finish that makes your Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake truly stand out!

What to Serve with Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake?

As you celebrate the rich flavors of this delightful dessert, consider these delicious pairings to create a memorable meal experience.

Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing burst of flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the cake.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of vanilla whipped cream elevates this cake, enhancing its creamy texture and decadence.
Espresso: A cup of bold espresso is the perfect companion, highlighting the coffee infusion in the cake while giving you a delightful caffeine boost.
Chocolate Ice Cream: The combination of creamy chocolate ice cream with the moist cake creates a blissful harmony of flavors and textures.
Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Cozy up with a cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee that echoes the warm spices in the cake, making your dessert experience even more comforting.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness and a touch of luxury that takes this dessert over the top.
Coconut Flan: Keep the Latin theme alive with a creamy coconut flan that complements the coffee flavors beautifully, making for a well-rounded dessert spread.
Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with mint can cleanse the palate, providing a bright contrast to the rich cake.
Chocolate-Covered Almonds: For a crunchy texture, pair your cake with chocolate-covered almonds—they offer a delightful contrast and a nutty flavor that enhances every bite.

Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting ingredients?
Absolutely! When choosing eggs, opt for those with clean shells and no cracks. For the milk, ensure the cans of evaporated and sweetened condensed milk are unopened and within their expiration dates. When selecting flour, avoid any bags with holes or tears; it should be fresh and dry. Freshly brewed coffee or espresso is crucial, so use high-quality beans for the best flavor.

How should I store leftover Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake?
Very simple! Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay deliciously moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. If you notice the cake starts to dry out, you can always drizzle some additional coffee milk mixture on top before sealing it up!

Can I freeze Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the wrappers with the date!

How do I properly thaw frozen Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake?
It’s easy! When you’re ready to enjoy your slice, simply transfer it from the freezer to the fridge to thaw overnight. For a quicker option, place it on the counter for about an hour before serving. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a delightful treat!

What should I do if my meringue doesn’t form stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn’t reaching stiff peaks, consider checking a couple of things. First, ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of grease. Any residual fat can hinder the formation. Additionally, if you’ve added the syrup too quickly, your meringue might not hold well. Go slower next time! If you find it still won’t whip up, starting fresh with new egg whites can be a lifesaver.

Is Coffee Infused Tres Leches Cake suitable for those with allergies?
Good question! This cake contains eggs, dairy, and gluten, so it may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients. If you want a dairy-free version, try using almond milk or coconut milk in place of the evaporated and condensed milks, and a flaxseed or chia seed mixture as an egg substitute. Be sure to check all labels for any potential allergens!