This recipe elevates the classic tres leches cake with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, all while using the convenience of a boxed cake mix. It's a delicious and surprisingly simple dessert perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a moist, flavorful treat. This recipe answers the question many home bakers ask: Can you make a truly delicious tres leches using a box mix as a base? The answer is a resounding yes!
What is Tres Leches Cake?
Tres leches cake, translating to "three milks" cake, is a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This creates an incredibly moist and rich dessert. Our pumpkin version adds a delightful autumnal twist, enhancing the cake's already decadent character.
Why Use a Box Cake Mix for Tres Leches?
Using a box cake mix doesn't compromise on taste; it simply simplifies the process. It allows even novice bakers to achieve a beautifully moist and flavorful tres leches without the fuss of making a cake from scratch. The mix provides a consistent base, ensuring predictable results every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- One 15.25-ounce box of spice cake mix (or yellow cake mix with pumpkin pie spice added)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk, chilled
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
- Pumpkin pie spice (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
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Make the Tres Leches Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Soak the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, poke holes all over the top using a fork or toothpick. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely. This may take some time; you might need to repeat the pouring process to ensure the entire cake is saturated.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to become fully moist. Before serving, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While a spice cake mix works best for this recipe, you can experiment with a yellow cake mix and add 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a similar flavor profile. A vanilla cake mix would also work, but the pumpkin spice element would be lost.
How long does the cake need to soak?
The cake needs to soak for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, to fully absorb the three milks mixture and develop its signature moist texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it up to two days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
What if my cake is too dry?
If, despite soaking, your cake is still slightly dry, you may not have poked enough holes, or the cake may have baked a little too long. Next time, try poking more holes and checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.
What are some variations I can try?
You could add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for added texture and flavor. A caramel drizzle on top would also be a delicious addition. Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to customize the flavor to your liking.
This pumpkin tres leches cake made with a box mix is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!
