Vegan Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Dairy-Free & Egg-Free) (2024)

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By Alisa Fleming on Dairy Free Desserts, Dairy-Free Recipes

As Cinco De Mayo approaches, you’ll likely see plant-based twists to Mexican favorites, predicts Flavor Forecast. They recently announced Mexicana Vegana Cocina (Mexican vegan cuisine) as the next flavor trend to be on the lookout for. Which means this Vegan Tres Leches Cake will be all the rage at your next fiesta.

Vegan Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Dairy-Free & Egg-Free) (1)

Vegan Tres Leches Cake with a Milky Dairy-Free Sauce

Tres Leches Cake is a sponge cake soaked in three types of dairy milk. This vegan version forgoes the dairy and eggs in the cake, and is soaked in three dairy-free milks: sweetened condensed coconut milk, almond milk beverage, and cashew milk beverage. The result is a light, airy, and moist vegan cake that lives up to its Latin American roots.

If you need a nut-free vegan tres leches cake, and are okay with coconut, then you can substitute your favorite dairy-free milk beverage for the almond and cashew versions.

Reader Raves for this Tres Leches Cake

Sometimes readers leave feedback via social media. This came via our Facebook page:

This recipe made my Mother’s Day. I put it together yesterday and it was ready to share with friends at church this morning. Amazing. I called it “Tres Leches Sin Leche”?and it was as delicious as I remember the real deal.? ~ Heather H.

Vegan Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Dairy-Free & Egg-Free) (2)This recipe with photo was shared with us by McCormick.

Special Diet Notes: Vegan Tres Leches Cake

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

4.0 from 1 reviews

Vegan Tres Leches Cake

Vegan Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Dairy-Free & Egg-Free) (3)

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Cook time

Total time

This is a great make-ahead recipe since the cake needs to chill for several hours or overnight. If using homemade, the dairy-free sweetened condensed milk (recipe below) can be made ahead of time or while the cake is baking. Please note that the Prep time is hands on time only.

Author: Chef Kevan Vetter

Recipe type: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Serves: 12 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons + ¼ teaspoon baking soda, divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons full fat canned coconut milk
  • ¼ cup oil (your favorite type for baking)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 1 cup aquafaba (canned chickpea liquid)
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk beverage
  • 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk beverage
  • ⅔ cup sweetened condensed coconut milk (store bought or the Recipe below)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered confectioners' sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Put the flour, sugar, 1½ teaspoons baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, oil, applesauce, and 1 tablespoon vanilla.
  4. Place the aquafaba and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 10 minutes.
  5. Gently fold the whipped aquafaba mixture into the coconut milk mixture until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, stirring gently after each addition just until mixed.
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  9. Carefully remove the cake from the pan and place it on a large, shallow-sided serving platter.
  10. Poke holes in the warm cake with kitchen fork at 1-inch intervals, moving the fork side to side to enlarge holes slightly.
  11. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk beverages, sweetened condensed coconut milk, powdered sugar, remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, cinnamon, and remaining ¼ teaspoon baking soda until smooth.
  12. Slowly pour the milky mixture over the cake, reserving about ½ cup of the liquid for serving.
  13. Let the cake cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the milky mixture to absorb into the cake.
  14. Slice and serve with the reserved milky mixture drizzled over cake.

Notes

Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk: Bring 1 (14-ounce) can of coconut milk to boil in a small saucepan. Let is boil for 5 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup agave nectar. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by half. Let cool completely.

Nutrition Information

Calories:226 Fat:10g Saturated fat:5g Carbohydrates:31g Sugar:15g Sodium:356mg Fiber:1g Protein:3g

More Mexican-Inspired Vegan Treats

Classic Horchata

Bittman’s Coconut Flan

Thick Mexican Chocolate Smoothie

Vegan Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Dairy-Free & Egg-Free) (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for whole milk in tres leches? ›

The typical whole milk can be replaced with other types of milk, such as coconut milk or almond milk, while making Tres Leches cake.

Does tres leches cake contain egg? ›

The cake is similar to an angel food cake. The whipped egg whites in the batter make it extra light and spongy. After baking the cake you poke holes in it with a fork and pour three types of milk over the top–evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk–hence the name “tres leches”.

Why isn t my tres leches cake not absorbing milk? ›

Why is my tres leches cake not absorbing milk? If the milk isn't absorbed after a few hours, then it's likely that your cake is too dense. It needs an airy, spongey texture to absorb the milk.

Are vegan cakes egg free? ›

A vegan cake contains no ingredients from animals. So there's no eggs, and no dairy. A vegan cake is either designed to not need these ingredients, or it will contain comparable plant based ingredients, like soy yogurt instead of dairy yoghurt, or a margarine made from vegetables oils instead of butter.

What is the best dairy free milk for cakes? ›

Among other milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk and oat milk, soy milk is by far the best for baking. I learned this over the course of several years and many cookies, cakes, muffins and pies.

What can I use instead of whole milk baking non dairy? ›

  • Almond milk: mild, nutty flavor, low in fat and calories.
  • Soy milk: neutral flavor, high in protein.
  • Oat milk: slightly sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
  • Rice milk: light and sweet, slightly grainy texture.
  • Coconut milk: creamy and rich, tropical flavor.
Feb 12, 2023

Why are there egg free cakes? ›

It's a common misconception that eggless cakes and cupcakes are only for people with allergies or dietary restrictions. In fact, there are a number of reasons why bakers might choose to make an eggless cake. For one thing, eggs can be expensive, and omitting them can help to keep costs down.

What does eggless cake contain? ›

Does not contain any eggs. Typically relies on other ingredients such as baking soda, baking powder, yogurt, buttermilk, or fruit purees as egg substitutes. May have a slightly denser texture compared to cakes with eggs. Suitable for individuals with egg allergies or those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Why my eggless cake is not spongy? ›

Eggless cakes are more likely to turn out less spongy because there are no eggs in the batter. As a result, be sure to set the oven to the proper temperature and centre the cake as much as you can in the pan.

What happens if you substitute water for milk in a cake? ›

Making your cakes with water instead of milk results in stronger, purer chocolate flavor. Water: the foundation of life, the substance that comprises 70% of our planet, and the thing that makes chocolate cakes even more chocolatey.

Why is my tres leches cake so dense? ›

This sponge cake does a very good job of absorbing liquid because it's light and, well, spongey. However, if you over mix the batter, it can cause the cake to lose its airiness and come out dense.

How do you replace eggs in a vegan cake? ›

Coconut oil is widely used as an egg replacement in vegan baking and it's easy to see why. Once melted, this delicious oil will mix well into most batters, brownies and bakes. And it can be used to replace eggs when you're breading foods, such as tofu, before baking or frying.

What do vegans use instead of eggs for baking? ›

The 10 best vegan egg alternatives for eggless baking and cooking
  • Apple sauce. Using apple sauce is a fat-free way to replace eggs in baked goods. ...
  • Aquafaba. ...
  • Black salt (kala namak) ...
  • Egg substitute powders. ...
  • Flaxseed (aka linseed) ...
  • Ripe bananas. ...
  • Silken tofu & firm tofu. ...
  • Tapioca starch.

How do I substitute eggs in vegan cake mix? ›

1 egg= ¼ cup yogurt

Similar to silken tofu, using a vegan yogurt is a great egg substitute for quick breads or load cakes where a super moist baked good is desired. If a recipe calls for applesauce, it can also be subbed pretty easily for yogurt.

What can I substitute if I don't have whole milk? ›

Milk in most recipes hydrates the dry ingredients and adds flavor, and there are plenty of substitutes that can do just that without compromising the final result.
  • Half and half. ...
  • Heavy cream. ...
  • Nondairy milks, like soy and almond. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Evaporated milk. ...
  • Canned coconut milk. ...
  • Water.
Dec 3, 2021

What can I substitute for 1 whole milk? ›

Dairy
FoodAmountSubstitute
Milk, whole1 cup1 cup skim milk, 1 tbsp melted butter
Milk, whole1 cup7/8 cup skim milk, 1/8 cup heavy cream
Milk, whole1 cup5/8 cup skim milk, 3/8 cup half and half
Milk, whole1 cup2/3 cup 1% milk, 1/3 cup half and half
83 more rows

What can I substitute for whole milk in a cake recipe? ›

Dairy Substitutes for Milk
  1. Cream or Half-and-Half. Cream is richer than milk, so to avoid heavier dough or batter use a ratio of about 60 percent cream to 40 percent water. ...
  2. Evaporated or Powdered Milk. ...
  3. Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt. ...
  4. Water (or Water and Butter) ...
  5. Nut Milk. ...
  6. Soy Milk. ...
  7. Oat Milk. ...
  8. Rice Milk.
Apr 3, 2023

What is the closest alternative to whole milk? ›

What is the best alternative to milk?
  • Soy Milk. Soy milk has been the most popular non-dairy substitute for decades because its nutrition profile closely resembles that of cow's milk. ...
  • Almond Milk. Almond milk is a great dairy alternative when you are looking to cut calories. ...
  • Rice Milk. ...
  • Coconut Milk. ...
  • Hemp Milk. ...
  • Cashew Milk.
Jul 19, 2021

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