Hey y'all! If you're a fan of carrot cake and crave something delightfully moist and decadent, this Carrot Tres Leches Cake will blow your mind. It combines spiced carrot cake with the classic Latin American tres leches soak, creating a luscious dessert that's perfect for holidays, birthdays, or casual get-togethers. Topped with billowy whipped cream, it's sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Carrot Tres Leches Cake
- The cake is unbelievably tender, moist, and infused with warm spices.
- It brings together familiar carrot cake flavors with the unique twist of a tres leches soak.
- No fancy tools required—it's simple enough for any home baker.
- This show-stopper dessert is a hit at birthdays, holidays, or just because.
- Topped with fluffy whipped cream and toasted coconut, every bite is a creamy, dreamy treat!
Ingredients for Carrot Tres Leches Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (for topping)
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
- ½ cup toasted shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Carrot Tres Leches Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment for easy removal.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a separate large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Mix in the oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, then the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: The Tres Leches Soak
- In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and ¾ cup heavy cream.
- Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake. Let the cake absorb the milks for at least 1 hour (refrigerate for best results).
Step 3: Whipped Cream Topping
- Using an electric mixer, whip 2 cups heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe evenly over the chilled, soaked cake.
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired, and serve chilled.
Notes for Making the Best Carrot Tres Leches Cake
- Grate carrots finely for the softest texture in your cake.
- Let the cake chill for several hours, or overnight, for maximum flavor infusion and moisture. Learn more about tres leches cakes.
- Try using a microplane for perfectly fluffy whipped cream—see tips here.
Variations on Carrot Tres Leches Cake
- Nutty Delight: Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves and cardamom for added warmth.
- Pineapple Twist: Fold in ½ cup drained crushed pineapple for a tangy, tropical kick.
Required Equipment for Carrot Tres Leches Cake
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula and whisk
- Box grater or food processor (for carrots)
Carrot Tres Leches Cake Storage & Shelf Life
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor; avoid freezing as the milk mixture can separate.
Serving Recommendations: What to Pair with Carrot Tres Leches Cake
- Serve slices chilled with a dusting of cinnamon on top.
- Pair with fresh cut fruit like strawberries or pineapple for brightness.
- Enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or black tea.
Pro Tips for Perfect Carrot Tres Leches Cake
- Let the cake fully cool before pouring the milk mixture to avoid a gummy texture—read more about soaking techniques here.
- Whip cream until stiff, but not grainy, for the perfect frosting.
- For beautiful, clean slices, chill cake completely before cutting and use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions: Carrot Tres Leches Cake
- Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
- Freshly grated carrots are best, as pre-shredded ones can be dry and less flavorful.
- Can I make Carrot Tres Leches Cake in advance?
- Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after soaking overnight.
- Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
- Yes—just ensure your sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are vegetarian-friendly.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
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2In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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3In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light. Mix in oil and vanilla extract. Fold in grated carrots.
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4Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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5Let the cake cool slightly. Whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk in a bowl. Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer, then slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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6Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled cake before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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