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When the first hints of spring warmth appeared, I found myself craving something sweet and vibrant—a perfect excuse to whip up a dreamy Ube Tres Leches Cake. The moment you slice into this cake, you’re greeted by its stunning purple hue, a tribute to the delicious ube, or purple yam. The delightful combination of moist sponge soaked in a luscious tres leches mixture creates an experience that’s simply irresistible!

This cake was born out of my quest for a dessert that not only impresses but also brings a taste of celebration right to the kitchen. It’s an enchanting dessert that transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary occasions, sure to be a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, birthdays, and even cozy family dinners. And the best part? Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. So grab your aprons and let’s create something magical that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why is Ube Tres Leches Cake a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: The unique combination of ube and rich tres leches creates a flavor explosion that captivates your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Presentation: With its striking purple color, this cake is sure to be a showstopper at any gathering!
Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated—this recipe is simple and requires just a few steps to achieve dessert perfection.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a birthday or family dinner, it’s a delightful treat that will have everyone clamoring for a slice.
Creamy, Dreamy Texture: The moist sponge soaked in creamy milk mixture results in a cake that melts in your mouth.
Versatile Option: Pair it with fresh fruits or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful twist! Enjoy more delectable creations with our easy cake recipes that everyone will love.

Ube Tres Leches Cake Ingredients

If you’re excited to create this dreamy dessert, here’s everything you need!

For the Cake

All-purpose flour – essential for structure and lightness in this delightful ube tres leches cake.
Baking powder – helps the cake rise, ensuring a fluffy texture.
Salt – enhances all the other flavors, making them pop!
Eggs – separated yolks and whites provide moisture and aeration for a light cake.
Whole milk – adds richness and enhances the cake’s flavor profile.
Granulated sugar – sweetens the cake and aids in achieving a golden crust.
Ube extract – brings that beautiful color and distinct ube flavor to your cake.
Ube halaya (ube jam) – provides moisture and a deeper ube essence for a luscious taste.

For the Tres Leches Soak

Evaporated milk – contributes creaminess and helps keep the cake moist.
Condensed milk – adds sweetness and a luxurious texture to the soak.
Coconut milk – infuses tropical flavor, enhancing the overall tres leches experience.

For the Topping

Heavy whipping cream – whips up perfectly for a rich, fluffy topping on your cake.
Coconut milk (whipped topping) – a delightful addition for extra creaminess and flavor on top!

Now, you’re all set to create this beautiful Ube Tres Leches Cake that will surely impress!

How to Make Ube Tres Leches Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your preferred cake pan to ensure an easy release after baking. This step is essential for a perfect cake!
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together gently until evenly mixed, setting the foundation for a fluffy cake texture.
Beat egg yolks and granulated sugar together in a separate bowl until creamy and light. You want a rich golden color, which means you’re on the right track!
Mix in the whole milk and ube extract gradually into the yolk mixture, stirring gently to blend. The beautiful ube flavor will start to shine through, enhancing your batter!
Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Whip the egg whites in another bowl until stiff peaks form. This will give your cake its lovely airy texture! Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step, as you want to ensure the cake absorbs all that delicious milk mixture later on.
Mix together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and coconut milk in a bowl to make the tres leches soak. This mixture is what makes this cake so dreamy!
Poke holes all over the cooled cake using a fork. This allows the tres leches mixture to seep in, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Pour the tres leches mixture gradually over the cake, allowing it to soak in. You’ll be amazed at how much this cake can hold!
Refrigerate the soaked cake for several hours, or ideally overnight. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating that crowd-pleasing texture.
Whip the heavy cream until fluffy and spread it over the top of the cake before serving. You can also add whipped coconut milk for an extra touch of decadence if you like!

Optional: Garnish with fresh fruits or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Ube Tres Leches Cake?

Transform any gathering into a celebration with delightful companions to this dreamy dessert.

Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries brighten up each slice while providing a pop of acidity to balance the sweetness. Their vibrant colors also enhance the gorgeous purple hue of the cake!
Coconut Rum Cocktail: A tropical drink with coconut and rum perfectly pairs with the ube flavors, elevating your dessert experience into a full-blown summer fiesta. Sip slowly and savor the blend!
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream complements the moist cake beautifully, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. A scoop can take every bite over the top!
Mango Chutney: The sweet and tangy notes of mango chutney add an unexpected twist, enhancing the flavors of ube while providing a delightful contrasting texture. A little goes a long way!
Whipped Cream Topping: Serve an extra dollop on the side for those who love that indulgent creaminess, enhancing every bite’s luxurious mouthfeel. It’s a simple but satisfying addition!
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkling toasted coconut adds a lovely crunch and brings out the tropical vibes in your cake. Plus, who can resist that nutty aroma?
Herbal Tea: A cup of chamomile or mint tea adds warmth and comfort, as well as a soothing note after the rich dessert. It’s a cozy pairing that invites good conversation.

Ube Tres Leches Cake Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that can elevate your ube tres leches cake experience!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously tender cake without the gluten.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt instead of heavy whipping cream and almond milk instead of whole milk for a light, tropical flavor.
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to both the cake batter and the tres leches mixture for a warm, inviting aroma.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, into the batter for delightful texture and a nutty flavor.
Fruity Twist: Top your cake with sliced fresh fruits such as mango or strawberries for a vibrant, juicy contrast to the creamy cake.
Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Mix in 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry ingredients for a chocolatey variation that pairs beautifully with ube.
Coconut Dream: Use cream of coconut instead of regular coconut milk for an extra rich and sweet tropical flavor that will take your cake to another level.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the tres leches mixture for a surprising twist that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Explore these variations to make your Ube Tres Leches Cake uniquely yours with every bite!

Make Ahead Options

Making your Ube Tres Leches Cake ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious hours during busy weeks! You can bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance. Just follow the recipe, then allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly and refrigerating. The tres leches mixture can also be prepared and stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days—this will allow the flavors to deepen. When ready to serve, simply poke holes in the cake, pour the tres leches mixture over, and let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum indulgence. This advance prep ensures each slice is just as delightful and moist, turning any day into a special occasion!

How to Store and Freeze Ube Tres Leches Cake

Fridge: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its moist texture and flavors.

Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months when frozen.

Reheating: Thaw the frozen cake in the fridge overnight before enjoying. For served slices, you can briefly microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat!

Serving Tips: The Ube Tres Leches Cake can be made ahead and stored, making it perfect for parties. Just add fresh toppings before serving for that extra pop!

Tips for the Best Ube Tres Leches Cake

Careful Measurements: Use a kitchen scale if possible to measure your ingredients accurately, especially flour, for the perfect cake texture.
Whipping Egg Whites: Ensure your mixing bowl is clean and dry to achieve stiff peaks. This step is crucial for a light and airy Ube Tres Leches Cake.
Soaking Time: Don’t rush the soaking process—allowing the cake to rest in the refrigerator overnight intensifies the flavors and moisture.
Poking Holes: Use a skewer to poke larger holes in the cake to maximize the absorption of the tres leches mixture, leading to a deliciously moist result.
Topping Options: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh fruits or toasted coconut can enhance the flavor and presentation, making your Ube Tres Leches Cake unforgettable.

Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best ube for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for ube that has a vibrant purple hue and is firm to the touch. Avoid any that show dark spots or feel soft, as these may be overripe. When using ube halaya, ensure it’s fresh and has a smooth texture, which will enhance your cake’s overall flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover Ube Tres Leches Cake?
You can store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps to maintain its delightful moisture and flavor. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent any fridge odors from seeping in. You can also add a layer of plastic wrap for extra protection!

Can I freeze Ube Tres Leches Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight, and for a warm treat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds!

What if my cake turns out too dry or dense?
No worries, this happens! If your cake comes out dry, it might be that it wasn’t soaked in the tres leches mixture long enough. For a remedy, poke additional holes in the cake and drizzle more of the soak over the top. If it’s too dense, ensure that the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before folding them into your batter, as this adds the necessary lightness.

Are there any dietary considerations with Ube Tres Leches Cake?
Very much so! This recipe contains dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. If you’re looking for alternatives, use plant-based milks like almond or oat milk in the soaking mixture and opt for coconut cream as a whipped topping for a delicious dairy-free version. Just make sure to check all labels for allergens!

How long should I let the cake soak for optimal flavor?
The more the merrier when it comes to soaking! For the best flavor, allow the Ube Tres Leches Cake to soak in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This extended soak time allows the cake to absorb all the yummy flavors, resulting in a beautifully moist and flavorful dessert!