This moist Chocolate Tres Leches Cake has the most amazing triple chocolate flavor. Made with a three-milk mixture, this cake is a crowd pleaser. It’s the ultimate chocolate lovers dessert.
There is something special about the taste of a Chocolate Tres Leches Cake. I normally have classic tres leches cake, and sometimes coconut tres leches cake, but this chocolate version is unreal in chocolate flavor. It’s every bit as delicious as our Mexican chocolate cake!
This cake starts with a homemade chocolate cake base with coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. This is the same base as our cookie dough cake, mint chocolate cake, Reese’s cake and black forest cake.
But this chocolate tres leches cake has three milks soaked on top, then is topped with a homemade chocolate whipped cream. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate shavings decorate the top.
Ultimate Condensed Milk Chocolate Cake: Your New Fave Dessert!
Hey there, cake lovers! If you ain’t tried a condensed milk chocolate cake yet, lemme tell ya, you’re missin’ out on pure heaven. I stumbled upon this gem a while back, and it’s been my go-to for every dang celebration—or just when I’m craving somethin’ sinfully good This ain’t your average chocolate cake; it’s got that velvety, melt-in-your-mouth vibe thanks to the magic of sweetened condensed milk Plus, it’s easier to whip up than you’d think!
In this post, I’m spillin’ all the deets on why this cake rocks, how to make it step by step, and some sneaky tricks to customize it. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro, stick with me, and we’ll get this yummy masterpiece on your table in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Why Condensed Milk Makes This Chocolate Cake Insanely Good
First off, what’s the big deal with condensed milk? Well this sweet sticky stuff is like a secret weapon in baking. I remember the first time I used it—total game-changer. Here’s why it’s so freakin’ awesome for a chocolate cake
- Sweetness Built-In: Condensed milk is already sweetened, so you don’t gotta add extra sugar. It gives the cake that perfect “just right” sweetness without goin’ overboard.
- Moisture Galore: It keeps the cake super soft and moist, like a lil’ hug in every bite. No dry, crumbly messes here!
- Rich Flavor: There’s a depth to the taste, almost caramel-like, that pairs insanely well with chocolate. It’s like they was made for each other.
- Texture Magic: It adds a tenderness that makes the cake feel velvety. You’ll notice the difference right away compared to regular recipes.
Not to mention, it can even act as a binder, so if you’re outta eggs or avoiding ‘em, this stuff’s got your back. I’ve baked it both ways, and trust me, it still holds up. So, if you’ve got a can sittin’ in your pantry, now’s the time to use it!
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Condensed Milk Chocolate Cake
Alright, let’s get down to business. I’m gonna share a recipe that’s worked wonders for me. It’s a mix of a classic round cake with a glossy topping, but I’ll throw in some twists later for variety. Here’s what you’ll need to gather up Don’t worry, most of this is prob’ly already in your kitchen.
Ingredients Table
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 1 ¾ cups | Sifted, for a lighter texture |
Unsweetened cocoa powder | 3 tablespoons | Go for good quality for max chocolatey-ness |
Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | Keeps it fluffy |
Sweetened condensed milk | 1 ¼ cups | The star of the show! |
Egg | 1 (optional) | Can skip if needed, more on that later |
Unsalted butter | 1 cup (melted) | Cooled down, for richness |
Vanilla extract | 1 ½ teaspoons | For that extra flavor pop |
Chopped chocolate (for ganache) | 7 ounces | Dark or milk, your call |
Heavy cream (for ganache) | ½ cup | For a smooth topping |
Butter (for ganache) | 2 tablespoons | Adds shine and silkiness |
Got all that? Cool. If you’re missin’ somethin’, I’ll cover substitutes in a bit. Now, let’s talk gear. You’ll need a 9-inch springform pan (makes life easier to remove the cake), some baking paper, a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk, and a spatula. Oh, and an oven, duh!
How to Whip Up This Chocolatey Delight
Now for the fun part—makin’ the cake! I’ve broken this down into easy steps so you don’t get lost. Follow along, and you’ll have a drool-worthy dessert in under an hour. Preheat that oven to 350°F (180°C) and let’s get rollin’!
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
- Prep Your Pan: Line your 9-inch springform pan with baking paper on the bottom and sides. This keeps the cake from stickin’ and makes cleanup a breeze. I always tap the pan a lil’ after pourin’ batter to get rid of air bubbles.
- Mix Dry Stuff: In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Get it nice and combined so there’s no clumps. I’ve skipped sifting before and regretted it—lumpy batter ain’t cute.
- Mix Wet Stuff: In another bowl, beat the condensed milk, egg (if usin’), melted butter, and vanilla extract. Keep mixin’ till it’s smooth as heck. The condensed milk makes it kinda thick, which is perfect.
- Combine ‘Em: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stir gently until it’s all blended. Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with a tough cake. Just get it smooth and call it good.
- Bake It Up: Pour the batter into your prepped pan. Tap it on the counter a couple times to settle it. Pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, you’re golden. If it’s wet, give it a few more mins.
- Cool Down: Let the cake cool on a wire rack. Don’t rush this; it needs to set a bit before the next step. I’ve burned my fingers tryin’ to speed this up—learn from my dumb mistake!
- Make the Ganache: While the cake cools, let’s do the topping. Put the chopped chocolate and butter in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream on the stove till it’s just simmerin’, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir till it’s silky. If it ain’t meltin’, pop it over a double boiler for a sec.
- Top It Off: Once the cake’s cool enough, pour that glossy ganache over the top. Spread it even if you wanna be fancy. Stick the whole thing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache. I sometimes leave it longer ‘cause I like it chilled.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice it up and serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh strawberries if you’re feelin’ extra. Heck, I’ve eaten it straight with a fork from the pan—no judgment here!
And there ya go! A rich, moist condensed milk chocolate cake that’ll have everyone beggin’ for seconds. But wait, there’s more to tweak and play with, so keep readin’!
Tips and Tricks for Nailing This Cake Every Time
I’ve baked this bad boy a buncha times, and I’ve picked up some handy tidbits along the way. Here’s a few pointers to make sure your cake turns out amazin’—even if you’re not a baking wizard.
- No Eggs? No Prob!: If you’re out of eggs or just don’t wanna use ‘em, skip it. Add an extra ¼ cup of condensed milk to keep things together. I’ve done this for a vegan pal, and it still tasted fab.
- Subbing Condensed Milk: Ran out? You can make a quick version with evaporated milk by addin’ about 1 ½ cups of sugar to 12 ounces of it. Simmer till it thickens a tad. I’ve tried this in a pinch, and it worked okay, though the real deal is better. Or try lactose-free milk with sugar if dairy’s an issue—just reduce it down.
- Don’t Overbake: If you want it fudgier, pull it out a lil’ early. When the center’s just set but still soft, that’s the sweet spot. I’ve left it in too long before, and it got drier than I liked.
- Pan Size Drama: If you don’t got a 9-inch springform, a regular round pan works, just grease it well. Or go for a sheet pan for a thinner, gooey vibe—bake it for less time, like 20 minutes or so. I’ve done both, dependin’ on my mood.
- Check Your Oven: Ovens are sneaky lil’ beasts. Mine runs hot, so I check at 25 minutes. If yours is slow, might take a bit longer. Get to know your machine, y’know?
These lil’ hacks have saved my butt more than once. Baking’s all about trial and error, so don’t sweat it if it ain’t perfect the first go-round.
Gettin’ Creative with Your Chocolate Cake
Now, this cake is already a stunner, but I love messin’ with it to switch things up. Here’s some ideas to make it your own. I’ve tried most of these, and they’re all winners in my book.
- Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the ganache before it sets. Gives it a nice bite and looks pretty darn cute too.
- Boozy Twist: Stir a tablespoon of your fave liquor into the batter or ganache. I’ve used Kahlua and bourbon before—holy moly, it’s next level. Just don’t overdo it, or it’ll mess with the texture.
- Frosting Fun: Instead of ganache, whip up a frosting with condensed milk, cocoa, and powdered sugar. Spread it on while the cake’s still warm so it seeps in a bit. I did this for a potluck, and folks went nuts.
- Poke It Up: Right after baking, poke holes in the top with a toothpick, then pour the ganache or frosting over. It soaks in and makes it extra gooey. My cousin showed me this trick, and I’m obsessed.
- Toppings Galore: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or even some crushed candy bars. I’ve gone overboard with toffee bits once—best mistake ever.
Play around with these ideas. Baking’s supposed to be fun, so don’t be afraid to get weird with it!
What If Things Go South? Troubleshooting Common Hiccups
Even with an easy recipe like this, stuff can go wonky. I’ve had my share of flops, so here’s how to fix ‘em or avoid ‘em altogether.
- Cake Too Dry?: Prob’ly baked it too long. Next time, check earlier. If it’s already done, brush some simple syrup (sugar and water boiled) on top to add moisture back. Saved a batch of mine this way.
- Ganache Won’t Set?: Might be too warm in your kitchen. Pop it in the fridge longer. If it’s still runny, you mighta used too much cream—melt more chocolate into it to thicken up. Been there, done that.
- Batter Too Thick or Thin?: If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Too thin, a lil’ more flour. I’ve eyeball’d it wrong before, but a tiny tweak fixes it.
- Cake Sticks to Pan?: Forgot to line or grease enough. Run a knife ‘round the edges and pray. Next time, don’t skimp on the prep. I’ve lost half a cake to this nonsense.
Don’t let these lil’ snags discourage ya. Every baker’s got battle stories, and they just make the wins sweeter.
Why This Cake’s Perfect for Any Occasion
I gotta say, one of the reasons I’m so hooked on this condensed milk chocolate cake is how dang versatile it is. Birthdays? Check. Potlucks? Heck yeah. Just a random Tuesday when you’re feelin’ down? Absolutely. I’ve brought this to family reunions, and it’s gone in minutes—kids and grown-ups alike can’t resist.
There’s somethin’ ‘bout the rich chocolate paired with that creamy, sweet condensed milk vibe that just screams comfort. It’s like a warm blanket in dessert form. And since it’s so easy to make, I don’t stress ‘bout last-minute plans. Whip it up, slap on some ganache, and you’re the hero of the party.
Servin’ Suggestions to Wow Your Crowd
How you dish this up can take it from great to mind-blowin’. I’ve tried a buncha ways, and here’s what gets the most “oohs” and “aahs” at my table:
- Classic Slice: Just cut a wedge and serve with a fork. Maybe dust some powdered sugar on top for looks. Simple but effective.
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side is pure bliss. The cold and warm contrast? Chef’s kiss.
- Berry Blast: Toss some fresh strawberries or raspberries next to it. The tartness cuts through the richness. I do this when I wanna feel fancy.
- Whipped Cream Dream: Dollop on some whipped cream—homemade if you’re feelin’ extra. I’ve even mixed a lil’ condensed milk into the cream for more sweetness.
- Straight from the Pan: If it’s just me and my crew, we don’t bother with plates. Spoons in hand, diggin’ right in. Messy, but so worth it.
Pick what fits your vibe. No wrong answers when it comes to chowin’ down on this cake!
Wrappin’ It Up: Why I’m Obsessed with This Recipe
Man, I could go on forever ‘bout this condensed milk chocolate cake, but I’ll stop here before I bore ya. It’s just got a special place in my heart—and my stomach. Whether I’m bakin’ it for a big shindig or just to treat myself after a rough day, it never lets me down. The way it combines deep chocolate flavor with that soft, moist texture is straight-up magic.
I hope you give this a shot and fall in love with it like I did. If you got questions or wanna share how it turned out, drop a comment. I’m always down to chat desserts! And hey, if you’ve got your own twists or family recipes, I’d love to hear ‘em. Let’s keep the baking love alive, y’all!
Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed strong hot coffee
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups heavy cream very cold
- 3/4 cup chocolate shavings for topping the cake
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Put flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl and whisk well. Set aside. 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla together. Slowly add in the mix of dry ingredients while the mixer is on low. Add the coffee and make sure everything is combined, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. The batter will be very thin. 1 cup buttermilk, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup freshly brewed strong hot coffee
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until the center of the cake springs back when you touch it (or a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs). While the cake is still warm, poke lots of holes all over the cake with a wooden skewer or a fork.
- Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and unsweetened cocoa powder. Then add the heavy cream and evaporated milk. Whisk well. 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, ¾ cup heavy cream, ¾ cup evaporated milk
- Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- *Refrigerate the bowl of a stand mixer (or glass bowl for using a hand mixer) for 10 minutes to get it cold.* Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together. 2/3 cup powdered sugar, &frac13 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Beat the cold heavy cream in the cold stand mixer bowl using the whisk attachment for 1 minute. 2 cups heavy cream
- Add half of the sugar/cocoa powder mixture. Beat until it is fully mixed in, then add the remaining sugar mixture. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form and the mixture is spreadable. It should be fluffy and light.
- Spread the chocolate whipped cream on the cooled cake. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. ¾ cup chocolate shavings
- Love chocolate covered strawberries? Top the cake with diced berries, or serve a chocolate dipped strawberry on the side.
- Refer to the article above for more tips and tricks.
A few key notes:
- Coffee. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor in this chocolate tres leches cake and I highly recommend trying it. If you don’t have coffee in the house, you may use water instead.
- Buttermilk. Don’t have buttermilk? Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar into one cup of whole milk. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes and then use as the recipe states.
- All-purpose flour. Some homemade cake recipes call for cake flour, like our chocolate chip cupcakes and angel food cake recipe. I love that our basic chocolate cake recipe calls for all-purpose. Easy!
- Cocoa powder. Use an unsweetened cocoa powder such as Ghirardelli dutch process cocoa powder.
- Vegetable oil. Many cakes use butter such as our yellow cake or raspberry lemon cake. This chocolate tres leches cake uses oil, meaning it’s extra moist and is similar to a chocolate sponge cake in texture.
See the recipe card for full ingredient amounts.
About this Chocolate Tres Leches Cake:
Also, known as pastel de tres leches in Spanish, a tres leche cake is a type of sponge cake. After the moist chocolate cake bakes, it gets soaked in three types of milk: heavy cream, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk.
This type of cake is a classic Mexican dessert and you could also find tres leches cake recipes on condensed milk cans starting in the 1940s.
I originally developed this recipe for our sister website, The Best Cake Recipes, but wanted to bring it to live on Tastes of Lizzy T, too, because it’s just that good.
Make this chocolate tres leches cake for Cinco de Mayo or any other holiday. It’s cool and refreshing for summer after a pile of loaded nachos.
Enjoy! -Julie
Chocolate Condensed Milk Cake | Eggless & Without Oven | Yummy
FAQ
What does condensed milk do in a cake?
Sweetened condensed milk is the ingredient that makes this particular cake lovely and dense, similar to a mud cake. And because it’s already sweet, you don’t need to add caster sugar to the cake batter.
How to make chocolate cake with condensed milk?
- firstly, in a large mixing bowl take condensed milk and butter.
- beat in one direction till the mixture turns smooth and fluffy.
- also sieve, maida, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- then fold gently.
- furthermore add vinegar, vanilla extract and warm milk.
What does adding sweetened condensed milk do to cake mix?
Sweetened condensed milk is thick, rich, and packed with concentrated sweetness, which makes it the perfect addition for boosting both flavor and moisture.
What can I make with chocolate and condensed milk?
Make the perfect homemade gift with our Easy Chocolate Fudge recipe. Made now with just two ingredients, including our deliciously creamy Carnation Condensed Milk. There’s no cooking involved (only a bit of melting), so it’s perfect to make with the kids for a quick and personal gift for loved ones.