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Decadent Three Milk Chocolate Cake (Chocolate Tres Leches Recipe)


If you love rich, moist cakes that practically melt in your mouth, then you’re in for a real treat. This Three Milk Chocolate Cake takes the classic Latin-inspired tres leches cake and gives it a luscious chocolate twist. It's soft, airy, soaked in a creamy milk mixture, and topped with a light whipped topping that makes every bite pure bliss.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any day you want to impress — this cake is as easy to make as it is dreamy to eat. Whether you’re already a fan of tres leches or trying it for the first time, the chocolate version just might become your new favorite.


🍫 What Is Three Milk Chocolate Cake?

Also known as Chocolate Tres Leches Cake, this dessert is a chocolate sponge cake soaked in a sweet mixture of three kinds of milk:

  • Sweetened condensed milk

  • Evaporated milk

  • Whole milk or heavy cream

The result? A super-moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s rich without being overly heavy. And the best part — the chocolate sponge cake absorbs all that creamy goodness while still holding its shape.



🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for this indulgent dessert:

For the chocolate sponge cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 5 large eggs (room temp)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ⅓ cup whole milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the three milk soak:

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

  • ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream

For the whipped topping:

  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Optional: Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish



🍰 How to Make Three Milk Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Sponge

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

  2. In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 5-6 minutes).

  4. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, then add milk and vanilla. Mix just until smooth.

  5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake cool completely before soaking it.

Step 2: Soak with the Three Milk Mixture

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk.

  2. Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cooled cake.

  3. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Add the Whipped Topping

  1. Whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

  2. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the soaked cake.

  3. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired.



🧁 Tips for the Best Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

  • Use room temp eggs: This helps your sponge cake rise better.

  • Don’t overmix: Fold gently to keep the batter airy.

  • Let it chill: Overnight chilling gives the best flavor and texture.

  • Try it with espresso: Add a splash of coffee to the milk soak for mocha vibes!



💡 Variations to Try

  • Spicy Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the sponge.

  • Nutty Twist: Top with crushed pecans or almonds for crunch.

  • Boozy Version: Add a splash of rum or Kahlúa to the milk soak.

  • Fruit Topping: Fresh berries or bananas pair perfectly with chocolate!



🔥 Why You’ll Love This Cake

  • Super moist and rich

  • Chocolate lover’s dream

  • Easy to make, yet totally impressive

  • Perfect for feeding a crowd

  • Can be made ahead of time

This isn’t just any cake — it’s a showstopper!



❄️ Storing Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: You can freeze the unsoaked sponge cake for up to 2 months. Don’t freeze it after soaking — it’s best fresh or refrigerated.



❤️ Final Thoughts

This Three Milk Chocolate Cake is what dessert dreams are made of. It’s rich, tender, perfectly moist, and topped with clouds of sweet whipped cream. Whether you're a die-hard chocolate fan or just love an unforgettable cake, this one deserves a spot in your recipe box.

Bake it once, and you'll be hooked for life. Guaranteed.

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