Name: Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake: A Cozy Fall Delight!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; Whipped cream for topping; Cinnamon for garnish

Introduction to Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, I find myself craving cozy desserts that warm the heart. That’s where my Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake comes in! This delightful twist on the classic tres leches cake is not just a treat; it’s a hug in dessert form. Perfect for busy moms and professionals, it’s a quick solution for a sweet ending to your day or a showstopper for gatherings. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds, and you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this fall favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake is a game-changer for busy days. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps. The rich, moist texture combined with the warm spices creates a flavor explosion that’s perfect for fall. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with your family. Trust me, this cake will become a beloved staple in your home!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this cozy fall delight. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, giving it that light texture.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure your cake is fluffy and airy.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Pumpkin pie spice: This magical blend of spices brings that warm, fall flavor to life.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the cake incredibly tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a lovely golden crust.
Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! It infuses the cake with moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor.
Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and adds creaminess to the texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: This adds a rich sweetness and helps create the tres leches effect.
Evaporated milk: Complements the sweetened condensed milk, adding creaminess without extra sugar.
Whipped cream: For topping, it adds a light, airy finish to each slice.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle on top not only looks beautiful but enhances the fall flavors.

For those looking to experiment, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version. The exact quantities for each ingredient are available at the bottom of the article for easy printing!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well. I like to use butter or cooking spray for this. A well-greased dish prevents sticking, making it easier to serve later. Trust me, you want to avoid the heartbreak of a broken cake! Once your oven is ready, you’re all set to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This blend of dry ingredients is the backbone of your cake. The baking powder and soda work together to create that fluffy texture we all love. The pumpkin pie spice? It’s what brings that cozy fall aroma into your kitchen! Make sure there are no lumps in the flour, as this will help your cake rise beautifully. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for now.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender cake. I usually use an electric mixer for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy. The sugar crystals will help aerate the butter, giving your cake that perfect texture. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the extra time for a delicious result!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Now it’s time to add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making it light. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. The pumpkin puree is the star of this show, adding moisture and that signature flavor. I love how the vanilla complements the pumpkin spice, creating a warm, inviting aroma. Mix until everything is well combined, but don’t overdo it; we want a tender cake!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. I like to do this in three parts, alternating with the milk. This method helps keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing. You want to see a few flour streaks; that’s perfectly fine! The batter should be thick and creamy, with a lovely pumpkin hue. This is where the magic starts to happen, so take a moment to appreciate the beautiful colors!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly! Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is essential for the next step, so don’t skip it!

Step 7: Prepare the Milk Mixture

While the cake cools, it’s time to prepare the milk mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. This trio creates the signature tres leches effect, soaking into the cake and making it incredibly moist. Whisk until everything is well blended. I love how creamy and rich this mixture looks! Set it aside for a moment while you finish cooling the cake.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

Once the cake has cooled for 10 minutes, it’s time for the fun part! Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake. This allows the milk mixture to soak in, creating that deliciously moist texture. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. You might feel like you’re drowning the cake, but trust me, it’s a good thing! Let it soak for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight in the fridge.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

After the cake has soaked up all that delicious milk, it’s time to serve! Before serving, top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This adds a lovely finishing touch and enhances the fall flavors. I recommend slicing it into squares and serving it chilled. Your guests will be amazed at how moist and flavorful this Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake is. Enjoy every bite!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming with sugar.
Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps the cake absorb the milk mixture.
Use a fork to poke holes evenly for better soaking.
For a stronger pumpkin flavor, feel free to add more pumpkin puree.
Chill the cake overnight for the best flavor and texture.

Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking dish: A standard size for this cake; you can use any similar-sized dish.
Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; you can use any large bowl.
Electric mixer: Great for creaming butter and sugar; a whisk works too, but takes longer.
Whisk: Essential for mixing dry ingredients; a fork can work in a pinch.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key; you can use a kitchen scale for precision.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and opt for dairy-free whipped cream.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of warmth and flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful chocolate twist.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped cream for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy treat.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Garnish with caramel drizzle for an extra touch of sweetness.
Present on a rustic wooden board for a charming fall display.

FAQs about Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance enhances the flavors. Just let it soak overnight in the fridge for the best results.

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use applesauce for a different flavor. However, it won’t have that classic pumpkin taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!

Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast!

Final Thoughts

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, this Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake becomes a cherished part of my fall traditions. Each slice is a reminder of cozy gatherings and laughter shared with loved ones. The rich, moist texture and warm spices create a comforting experience that warms the soul. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake brings joy to every moment. I hope you find as much happiness in baking and sharing this delightful treat as I do. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and warmth!