Cake Recipe: Deliciously Sweet And Creamy Tropical Dessert
75 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
15
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Coconut tres leches cake recipe combines the best elements of a classic tres leches cake, a Latin American dessert with the delicate sweetness of coconut. The first bite is all about comfort: soft sponge cake with a creamy milk mixture, fluffy whipped cream and a little crunch from toasted coconut. The coconut taste is not overpowering and is present in all layers, making it a refreshing and indulgent dessert.
This soft sponge cake is soaked in a rich blend of milks, creating an incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth. The cake chills beautifully, and remains firm yet soft. Whipped cream is laid on generously for a light finish, which complements the creamy cake underneath. The cake is then garnished with toasted coconut flakes to add texture and flavour. Ultimately, the dessert turns out creamy, refreshing, with the perfect balance of sweetness and coconut flavour.
If you want a dessert that you can make in advance, this coconut milk cake is an excellent option. Actually, the flavours improve, and the texture becomes even better, when it's left to rest in the refrigerator. Whether you're serving it for a holiday meal, a birthday, or a casual get-together with friends, this cake offers a tropical twist on a beloved favourite that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder and kosher salt in a medium mixing bowl.
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Step 2: Make The Egg Yolk Mixture
Carefully separate each egg into two bowls. Add ¾ cup of the sugar to the egg yolks. Beat on high until the mixture is light yellow and just a bit thick. Add the whole milk and coconut extract, and stir.
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Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Add the egg yolk mixture to the mixture of dry ingredients. Mix lightly until all ingredients are well mixed. Don't over mix or it will become dense.
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Step 4: Whip The Egg Whites
With the help of an electric beater, whip the egg whites at high speed. When they start to foam, carefully add the remaining ¼ cup sugar. Beat until stiff peaks have been formed.
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Step 5: Prepare The Batter
Gradually add the beaten egg whites to the cake batter. Gently fold, stirring the mixture over itself rather than around the edges, with a spatula. Try and not over-mix as it can reduce volume of the batter. Once the batter has a nice smooth, light and airy consistency, stop mixing.
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Step 6: Bake The Cake
Pour batter into an ungreased baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-35 mins, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Take out of the oven and let the cake cool completely.
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Step 7: Prepare The Coconut Milk Mixture
Meanwhile, combine coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk and coconut extract in a bowl and whisk until well blended.
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Step 8: Soak The Cake
After the cake has cooled, poke holes with a fork all over the top of the cake. Carefully pour the milk mixture onto the cake, ensuring that it is all uniformly coated.
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Step 9: Chill The Cake
Chill cake for 3-4 hours or overnight. This is a resting period to enable the cake to absorb all the flavours.
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Step 10: Make The Topping
Beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Step 11: Finish & Serve
Spoon the whipped cream on top of the cake, evenly. Sprinkle it with toasted coconut flakes and serve.
This version contains coconut milk and coconut extract; giving the classic tres leches cake a tropical flavour while keeping its signature moist texture.
Keep it covered in the refrigerator for about 3–5 days. The cold prevents the milk from spoiling and keeps it moist.
Yes, this coconut tres leches cake recipe makes for an easy make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it 1–2 days in advance or the night before serving.
No, the coconut flavour is there but not too strong or overwhelming. It goes well with the creamy milk mixture and makes a balanced dessert.