Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Pumpkin Spice tres leches cake, the perfect autumn treat that combines the rich, creamy textures of tres leches with the warming spices of pumpkin. This dessert is not only delicious but also easy to make and sure to impress guests with its unique blend of ingredients.
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Growing up, my family always celebrated the changing seasons with a special dessert that reflected the flavors of the time. One autumn, my grandmother introduced us to this amazing pumpkin spice twist on the classic tres leches cake. It quickly became a family favorite, and to this day, it remains a cherished tradition to bake it together every fall.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pumpkin spice tres leches cake is a unique fusion of flavors that sets it apart from traditional desserts. The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm and inviting aroma, while the soaking of the cake in three kinds of milk ensures a moist and decadent texture. It’s a practical recipe that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for fall gatherings, celebrations, or as a comforting treat.
Ingredients Notes
The ingredients in this recipe are simple and easily accessible. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not Pumpkin Pie filling, for the best flavor. If you’re unable to find evaporated milk, heavy cream can be used as a substitute. Consider using freshly grated nutmeg for a more potent flavor, and adjust the spices to your personal taste preferences.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and spices.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, including sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just combined.
Step 3
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 4
While the cake bakes, make the tres leches mixture by whisking together Sweetened Condensed Milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk in a medium bowl.
Step 5
Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer and pour the milk mixture evenly over the top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Storage Options
Store leftover pumpkin spice tres leches cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk products with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream alternative. Enhance the aromatic spices by adding a pinch of cloves or substitute maple syrup for part of the sugar to create a unique flavor profile. You can also add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is ideal for fall-themed parties or Thanksgiving dinners. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon on top for a beautifully presented dessert. Pair it with a warm cup of spiced latte or chai tea on a crisp autumn afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this cake in advance? Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s actually recommended to prepare it in advance to enhance the texture and taste.
What if the cake seems too soggy? It’s normal for tres leches cakes to be very moist due to the soaking milk mixture. If it seems excessively soggy, ensure it’s chilled properly as this helps the cake absorb the liquid. You can also reduce the amount of milk mixture if desired.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dense? Ensure not to overmix the batter, and always use room-temperature ingredients. These steps help create a light and airy cake texture. Properly aerating the eggs and incorporating them gently into the batter is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delicious Maple Bourbon Vanilla Bean Tres Leches Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups canola oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 8 large eggs at room temperature
Bourbon Maple Soak
- 24 ounces evaporated milk two 12-ounce cans
- 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk two 14-ounce cans
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup maple bourbon adjust to taste
Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
- 3.5 cups heavy whipping cream chilled
- 5 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 tablespoons maple bourbon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, oil, and vanilla bean paste. Mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in Greek yogurt until incorporated.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cake in pan for 1 hour.
- While cake cools, whisk evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream, and bourbon in a large bowl.
- Poke holes in cooled cake using a fork or skewer.
- Pour milk mixture over cake, covering evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- For the whipped cream, beat chilled cream, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and bourbon until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over chilled cake.
- Dust top with additional vanilla bean paste if desired. Cut into squares and serve.
