A slice of moist, fluffy Crumbl Tres Leches Cake has a way of brightening any day. With its rich vanilla aroma and soft, cloud-like crumb, every bite delivers the sweet, creamy magic that makes this dessert so irresistible.
Inspired by the beloved Crumbl bakery version, this homemade recipe captures the same decadent flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It brings all the indulgence of a bakery-style treat straight to your own kitchen-no special skills required.
With simple ingredients and an effortless process, you’ll be whipping up a dreamy tres leches cake that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Let’s dive in and create a dessert that promises pure comfort, sweetness, and plenty of smiles.
Why You Will Love This Crumbl Tres Leches Cake
This Crumbl Tres Leches Cake is the definition of sweet, creamy perfection. Every bite offers just the right balance of richness without ever feeling heavy, making it a dessert you’ll crave again and again.
The soft, delicate sponge cake soaks up the three types of milk beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels unbelievably luxurious. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, elevating the classic flavor.
Finished with a layer of smooth, fluffy whipped cream, this cake tastes like a cloud infused with vanilla and silky milk. It’s comforting, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients Used in This Crumbl Tres Leches Cake
For the Cake:
- 5 large eggs, separated
- ¾ cup sugar (divided)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup milk (cow juice)
To Make the Milk Soak:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
Essential Kitchen Equipment Required
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Baking pan (8×8-inch)
- Cooling rack
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
How To Make Crumbl Tres Leches Cake
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Separate your eggs. Whisk the yolks with half of the sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the vanilla and the milk and finally mix in the flour and baking powder.
3. In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the rest of your sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter until light and airy.
5. Pour your batter into the baking dish and cook for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool slightly, then poke holes across the top of the cake (but not all of the way down).
7. Combine the three milks and slowly pour over the cake. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the cake to soak in the liquid.
8. Whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake and finish with a dusting of cinnamon.
Notable Tips to Make This Crumbl Tres Leches Cake Recipe Perfect
Here are some notable tips, that can help you to make this recipe perfect in the very first attempt. Check below
1. With Fresh Berries
Trust us – adding a handful of strawberries or raspberries on top will take this cake to another level. The tartness perfectly balances the sweetness.
2. A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
We know this is indulgent on indulgent, but a cold scoop of ice cream right next to that milky sponge? Heaven. We tried it once and it has since become a tradition.
3. Drizzle of Dulce de Leche
A delicate caramel drizzle – full of flavor and simply complements the cake’s rich texture. It’s almost as if you’re turning your cake into a Latin dessert – never regret indulging in the deeper flavors!
4. Espresso or Strong Coffee
We can’t stress it enough. The bold, bitter coffee makes an incredibily balancedd drink when paired with creamy sweetness – it’s our afternoon treat for success
5. Toasted Coconut Sprinkle
We never thought to add toasted coconut sprinkled on top of the cake – and wow – does it not only give your cake texture, but also make it feel tropical. Highly recommend it for the summer months!
6. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting
A light dusting of cinnamon sugar will give the cake a stylish finish before serving. We have served it this way and guests always leave us compliments!
7. Whipped Cream & Chocolate Shavings
When you want to make it feel extra fancy, top your whipped cream with chocolate curls. We’ve done this for birthdays – it looks straight out of a patisserie.
Some Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Crumbl Tres Leches Cake
Whether it’s a party, family function or you are enjoying this Crumbl Tres Leches Cake at your home, the following serving ideas can make your meal more comfortable and delicious to enjoy.
1. With Fresh Berries on Top
Trust us, a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries on top takes this cake to another level. The tangy fruit balances the sweetness beautifully – it’s our go-to upgrade every summer.
2. Drizzle of Dulce de Leche
We once tried drizzling warm dulce de leche over a chilled slice… and wow, it was unforgettable. That caramel touch adds a rich, silky finish that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
3. Paired with a Cup of Espresso
If you love contrast, this combo is magic. The bold espresso cuts through the creaminess of the cake, giving you that perfect bitter-sweet balance. It’s a café-worthy pairing we adore after dinner.
4. Topped with Toasted Coconut Flakes
Sprinkling toasted coconut over the whipped cream gives a subtle crunch and nutty aroma. It’s like a tropical twist that makes guests ask, “What’s your secret ingredient?”
5. With a Scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
We’re not saying it’s necessary… but once you’ve had this duo, there’s no going back. The cold ice cream melting into the milky cake is pure comfort food bliss.
6. A Hint of Citrus Zest
A light dusting of orange or lime zest adds freshness without overpowering the sweetness. We discovered this trick during a brunch, and it’s now a permanent addition to our version.
7. Served with Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee
If you’re serving this at a gathering, offer it alongside cinnamon-spiced coffee or café de olla. The warm spice ties everything together – cozy, aromatic, and perfect for evenings.
8. Layered with Fruit Compote
Layering the Tres Leches Cake with homemade mango or berry compote gives it a dessert-parfait vibe. We did this once for a dinner party – and it disappeared in minutes!
How to Store This Crumbl Tres Leches Cake Properly
Refrigerate the Tres Leches Cake for up to four days, and keep in the refrigerator to ensure it stays moist. Do not reheat because it is best served cold. If the whipped topping has started to soften, whip a small batch and spread it fresh on the cake before serving (and it will be just as good!).
Crumbl Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Separate your eggs. Whisk the yolks with half of the sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the vanilla and the milk and finally mix in the flour and baking powder.
- In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the rest of your sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter until light and airy.
- Pour your batter into the baking dish and cook for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly, then poke holes across the top of the cake (but not all of the way down).
- Combine the three milks and slowly pour over the cake. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the cake to soak in the liquid.
- Whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake and finish with a dusting of cinnamon.
Video
Notes
FAQs on This Crumbl Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Crumbl Tres Leches Cake Recipe that people often ask.
1. How long should I let the cake soak in the milk mixture?
From our experience – the longer, the better. Letting it chill for 12 to 24 hours gives that deeply soaked, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes the cake truly irresistible.
2. Can I bake this in a different sized pan?
Yes, we’ve done it plenty of times. Just adjust the baking time and milk quantity. A 9×13-inch pan works great – it makes a slightly thinner cake but still turns out perfectly soft and creamy.
3. Why did my cake shrink after baking?
Don’t panic – a little shrinkage is totally normal. If it shrinks too much, it’s usually from over-mixing, too hot an oven, or too much leavening. Keep your batter light and airy, and it’ll bake beautifully.
4. Can I substitute any of the three milks?
You can tweak them a bit, but don’t skip the sweetened condensed milk – that’s what gives Tres Leches its signature sweetness. If needed, swap whole milk or half-and-half for one of the other milks.
5. How do I avoid a soggy, mushy cake?
We’ve learned the trick is balance. Bake the sponge fully so it can hold liquid, poke plenty of holes for even absorption, and chill it properly. That way, it’s soaked but still holds its structure.
6. Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes, absolutely – in fact, we prefer it that way! It tastes even better after chilling overnight. Just add the whipped cream topping right before serving for the freshest texture.
7. How should I store leftovers?
Keep the cake covered and refrigerated. It stays delicious for up to 4 days. After that, the texture starts to soften too much, but honestly – it rarely lasts that long in our fridge!
8. Can I freeze the cake?
You can freeze the plain sponge before soaking it. Wrap it tightly and thaw before adding the milk mixture. Once soaked and topped, we don’t recommend freezing – it tends to lose its signature texture.
9. What if I don’t have a mixer to whip the egg whites or cream?
It’s doable by hand, but it’ll take some elbow grease! Just make sure your bowl is completely clean and dry. Keep whipping until you see stiff peaks – patience is key here.
10. Why does the topping separate or shrink after topping the cake?
We’ve had this happen too – usually it’s from topping too early or letting the cream sit out. Always whip fresh cream, top it just before serving, and keep everything nice and chilled.
This Crumbl Tres Leches Cake Recipe is happiness on a plate: light, creamy, and decadently sweet. It reminds me of my birthday cake, perfect for birthdays or other celebrations, or just to enjoy on a weekend! You should probably make it today, and share it on your social sites, tagging your new Crumbl-inspired creation!
Drop a comment on the blog with your feedback-I can’t wait to hear what you think.
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