This Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake is an indulgent, decadent dessert that features a moist cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed, and whole milk), plus a touch of rum and coffee to bring out deep, rich flavors. Traditionally from Latin America, the Tres Leches Cake gets a modern twist with the addition of espresso, cinnamon, and cardamom in the soaking liquid, making it a perfect treat for special occasions. Topped with fluffy meringue, it’s the ideal combination of sweet, creamy goodness that’s sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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4 large eggs (whites and yolks separated)
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¾ cup sugar
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½ cup whole milk
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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¾ tsp kosher salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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For the Soaking Liquid:
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1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
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1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup rum
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¼ cup espresso (or cold brew concentrate)
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cardamom
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½ tsp salt
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For the Meringue:
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¾ cup sugar
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3 egg whites
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¼ tsp cream of tartar
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¼ tsp salt
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Directions
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Make the Cake:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, and then add egg yolks one at a time.
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Stir in the milk and vanilla extract, followed by the sifted flour mixture. Mix until smooth.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Make the Soaking Liquid:
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In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, whole milk, rum, espresso, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, and salt. Blend until fully incorporated.
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Soak the Cake:
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Once the cake is baked and cooled slightly, poke holes all over the top using a skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour the soaking liquid over the cake, allowing it to absorb the liquid. Be patient—it may take some time, but it’s key to a moist cake!
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Make the Meringue:
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In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil until it reaches 250°F (120°C).
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In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until medium peaks form. Gradually add the hot sugar syrup very slowly while mixing.
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Add cream of tartar and salt and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
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Assemble the Cake:
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Once the cake has absorbed all the liquid, top with the meringue, shaping it into a cloud-like texture.
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Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue or bake it for 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden.
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Serve:
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Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving for the best flavor and texture.
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Nutrients (Per Serving)
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Calories: 300 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Sugar: 30g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Sodium: 120mg
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Potassium: 180mg
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Cholesterol: 65mg
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 30g
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Vitamin A: 400 IU
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Vitamin C: 1mg
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Calcium: 100mg
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Iron: 1.5mg
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Why Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake Works So Well
The beauty of Tres Leches Cake lies in its ability to absorb the three types of milk, making it incredibly moist and rich. The addition of rum and coffee in this updated recipe takes the traditional dessert to new heights. Rum brings a slightly boozy and deep warmth, complementing the sweetness of the milk mixture, while coffee contributes a bitter richness that balances out the cake’s sweetness. Cinnamon and cardamom spices add aromatic depth to the soaking liquid, enhancing the flavor of the milk and giving the cake a comforting warmth that’s perfect for special occasions or any time you’re in the mood for something indulgent.
The cake itself is light and airy, with the whipped egg whites contributing to its fluffy texture. The soaking liquid, made with the three types of milk and spiked with coffee, rum, and spices, transforms the cake into a moist, decadent treat that’s unlike any traditional cake. The fluffy meringue topping adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense, rich flavor of the soaked cake. Together, these elements create a harmonious dessert that’s sweet, spicy, and full of depth.
The Soaking Process: Key to the Perfect Tres Leches Cake
One of the defining characteristics of Tres Leches Cake is its soaking process. After the cake is baked, it’s poked with holes to allow the soaking liquid to seep in. The key to achieving the moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture is allowing the cake to fully absorb the liquid. This is where the magic happens—the cake transforms from a standard sponge into a rich, milk-infused dessert. The longer you let the cake soak, the more flavorful and moist it will become.
For the Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake, the soaking liquid is a combination of evaporated milk, condensed milk, whole milk, rum, espresso, and a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom. This soaking mixture not only makes the cake moist but also imparts the deep, rich flavors of rum and coffee, elevating the dessert to new levels. The spices add warmth and complexity, which makes each bite more intriguing and satisfying.
Patience is key in this process. It’s important to pour the soaking liquid slowly and allow the cake to absorb it gradually. Rushing this step could result in a cake that’s not as moist or flavorful as it should be. The result of this soaking technique is a cake that is luxuriously soft, rich, and full of flavor.
The Fluffy Meringue Topping
The finishing touch on Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake is the meringue. The meringue is made by whipping egg whites to stiff peaks and then adding a sugar syrup that has been heated to the perfect temperature. This gives the meringue its firm yet fluffy texture, creating a cloud-like topping for the cake.
The meringue not only adds a sweet, light contrast to the dense, soaked cake but also helps balance the richness of the rum and coffee flavors. After spreading the meringue over the soaked cake, it’s lightly toasted to give it a golden, slightly crispy texture on top. This toasting process enhances the flavor of the meringue, creating a deliciously caramelized outer layer. Whether you choose to use a kitchen torch or bake it in the oven, the meringue’s golden-brown finish adds both visual appeal and a depth of flavor that complements the rich soaking liquid.
The contrast between the fluffy meringue and the moist, coffee-infused cake is one of the reasons this dessert is so loved. The combination of textures—soft, chewy cake, creamy soaking liquid, and airy meringue—creates a harmonious experience with every bite.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Celebrations
Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate showstopper dessert for any special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and indulgent texture. The complexity of the coffee, rum, and spices makes it an elegant choice for more sophisticated gatherings, while the comfort and familiarity of the traditional Tres Leches Cake make it universally appealing.
This cake is also a great option for making ahead. Once the soaking liquid has been absorbed and the meringue is added, the cake can be refrigerated for several hours or even overnight. This makes it a perfect dessert to prepare in advance when hosting a party or event. The longer the cake sits, the more the flavors meld, making it even more flavorful when served.
How to Adjust the Flavor Profile
While the Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake is already rich and flavorful, you can adjust the flavor profile to suit your preferences. For those who want a stronger coffee flavor, simply add a bit more espresso or coffee concentrate to the soaking liquid. Alternatively, if you want to emphasize the spiciness, you could add more cinnamon or cardamom.
For a more pronounced rum flavor, you can increase the amount of rum in the soaking liquid. On the other hand, if you prefer a less boozy version, simply reduce the rum to suit your taste. The beauty of this dessert is that it’s highly customizable, so you can tweak it to your liking while maintaining its rich and indulgent qualities.
Storing and Serving Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake
Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake stores wonderfully, making it a great option for preparing ahead of time. To store, simply cover the cake tightly and refrigerate it. The cake will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. When serving, it’s best to allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cutting into it, as the texture will be more pleasant and easier to slice.
If you’re serving this cake for a special event or party, it’s a good idea to cut it into small squares or slices so that guests can enjoy just the right amount of indulgence without overwhelming their palate.
Conclusion
Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake is an indulgent, rich, and flavorful dessert that takes the traditional Latin American favorite and gives it a modern twist. The combination of rum, coffee, and spices in the soaking liquid adds complexity and depth to the already moist and delicious cake, while the meringue topping adds a light, sweet contrast. This dessert is the perfect choice for special occasions, and its versatility in flavor allows it to be easily customized to suit individual preferences. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply treating yourself to a luxurious dessert, Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches Cake is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. It’s a showstopper in every sense, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and flavor that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.