Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to indulge in a dessert that brings vibrant color, rich flavors, and a wonderfully moist texture, this Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe is exactly what your sweet tooth has been waiting for. Combining the tropical essence of ube with the classic Latin American tres leches cake, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a stunning, luscious treat that’s both eye-catching and irresistible. Each bite is like a little celebration, with creamy milks soaking into a tender sponge and topped with a dreamy whipped ube topping that’s simply unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake lies in its simple, thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the delicate cake structure, infusing rich ube flavor, or creating that signature moist texture that makes tres leches so special.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for the cake’s soft and fluffy crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and richness.
• Eggs (separated yolks and whites): Yolks add richness, while whipped whites give the cake airy lift.
• Whole milk: Moisturizes the cake batter and adds tenderness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and stabilizes the whipped egg whites.
• Ube extract: Packs that unmistakable, vibrant purple color and sweet, earthy flavor.
• Ube halaya: Adds dense, creamy ube texture to the batter for depth.
• Evaporated milk: Creates the rich soak that makes tres leches cake so decadently moist.
• Condensed milk: Brings sweetness and creaminess to the milk mixture.
• Coconut milk: Introduces tropical notes that marry perfectly with ube.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into a luscious topping that crowns the cake.

How to Make Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only removes any lumps but also ensures that these leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is essential for achieving a tender, even crumb in your cake.

Step 2: Whipping the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and slightly thickened. This step is key to incorporating air and setting the stage for a light cake, while also dissolving the sugar for a smooth batter.

Step 3: Adding Ube Flavors and Milk

Blend the ube extract and ube halaya into the egg yolk mixture, followed by the whole milk. The ube halaya adds authenticity and rich purple color, while the milk keeps the batter moist and tender.

Step 4: Whipping Egg Whites Separately

In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with ¼ cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This fluffy meringue is the secret to making the cake wonderfully airy and light — it’s important not to under or overbeat.

Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the yolk batter until combined, then carefully fold in the whipped egg whites. The folding technique preserves the air bubbles, giving this cake its signature softness.

Step 6: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely — this is essential before soaking it with the milk mixture.

Step 7: Preparing the Tres Leches Milk Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, coconut milk, and ube extract. This luscious, fragrant blend is what transforms the cake into a moist, flavorful masterpiece.

Step 8: Soaking the Cake

Prick the cooled cake all over with a fork or skewer, then slowly pour the milk mixture over the surface, allowing it to absorb gradually and become wonderfully saturated. Chill the cake in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.

Step 9: Making the Whipped Ube Topping

Whip the heavy cream, coconut milk, granulated sugar, and ube extract until soft peaks form. This creamy topping adds a fluffy, subtly sweet finish that perfectly complements the rich cake beneath.

Step 10: Assembling and Serving

Spread the whipped ube topping evenly over the soaked cake and keep it chilled until ready to serve. The contrast of the cool topping and moist cake is pure bliss.

How to Serve Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Add a pop of texture and color by garnishing with toasted coconut flakes, fresh purple yam chips, or edible flowers. These little touches elevate the presentation and add subtle layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This rich and moist cake pairs beautifully with a light cup of brewed coffee, jasmine tea, or a refreshing tropical fruit salad. The acidity of the fruit or bitterness of coffee helps balance the sweetness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, serve individual portions in pretty glass jars to showcase the layers of soaked cake and whipped topping. You can also pipe the whipped ube topping into rosettes for an elegant look that’s party-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist and flavorful, but the whipped topping is most fresh within this time frame.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze the cake, it’s best to freeze the cake layer alone before soaking. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before soaking and adding the whipped topping.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, let the cake come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes if it’s been chilled too long before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ube instead of ube extract?

Yes! If you have access to fresh ube or frozen purple yam, you can cook and mash it to use in this recipe. Just be mindful that texture and color might vary slightly compared to ube extract and halaya.

Is this cake very sweet?

The sweetness is balanced by the creamy milk mixture and the earthiness of ube, making it indulgent but not overpowering. You can slightly reduce sugar amounts if you prefer it less sweet.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milks with coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the topping to keep that luscious texture.

How long does the cake need to soak in the milk mixture?

Ideally, let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures the cake absorbs the milk fully and becomes delectably moist.

Can I use a different flavor instead of ube?

While this recipe spotlights ube, you can experiment with other extracts such as vanilla or pandan. Just keep in mind that ube’s unique flavor and vibrant color are what make this dessert so special.

Final Thoughts

This Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert — it’s a joyful celebration of color, texture, and flavor that lights up any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite for many. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious, dreamy cake that makes every bite feel like a special moment.

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