Easy Mocha Tres Leches Cake

This easy mocha tres leches Cake is a dreamy fusion of coffee, chocolate, and creamy sweetness that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s rich, moist, and infused with a mocha twist that takes the classic Latin dessert to a whole new level. If you love the flavors of coffee and chocolate together, this cake is your new go-to treat for special occasions or lazy weekend baking.

The first time I made this mocha tres leches cake, I was amazed at how the coffee-infused milk mixture transformed a simple sponge into something so decadent. The cake soaks up every drop of that mocha goodness, becoming incredibly soft and flavorful. Topped with a light whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa, it’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but never heavy.

What I love most about this easy tres leches cake recipe is that it’s surprisingly simple to make, yet it tastes like something straight from a bakery. The combination of espresso, cocoa, and creamy milk gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. It’s a dessert that coffee lovers and chocolate fans will both adore.

This coffee tres leches cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The layers of flavor from the fluffy cake to the creamy mocha soak, make it a showstopper on any dessert table.

If you’ve ever wanted to try a twist on the classic, this chocolate tres leches cake is the one to bake. It’s moist, rich, and irresistibly flavorful a true celebration of coffee, chocolate, and tradition in every bite.

What You’ll Need When Making Easy Mocha Tres Leches Cake

1. All-Purpose Flour

• Forms the soft and airy base of the cake.
• Ensure it’s properly measured for a light crumb.
• Sift it with cocoa to prevent lumps.

2. Cocoa Powder

• Adds rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Use unsweetened, high-quality cocoa for the best taste.
• Dutch-processed cocoa gives deeper flavor.

3. Eggs

• Provide structure and lift to the sponge.
• Beat them well for extra airiness.
• Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.

4. Instant Coffee or Espresso

• The soul of mocha flavor!
• Intensifies the chocolate notes beautifully.
• Use fresh espresso for an aromatic kick.

5. Three-Milk Mixture

• A luxurious blend of condensed, evaporated, and heavy cream.
• Each adds different levels of sweetness, richness, and smoothness.
• Coffee and cocoa enhance the mocha depth.

6. Heavy Cream (for Topping)

• Whips up into light, fluffy clouds.
• Balances the cake’s sweetness.
• A touch of coffee in the whipped cream brings it all together.

Quick Tips for the Best Mocha Tres Leches Cake

• Use strong coffee—the deeper the brew, the richer the mocha flavor.
• Let the cake chill overnight for best absorption and texture.
• Don’t skip poking holes—it ensures even soaking.
• Use full-fat dairy for luxurious creaminess.
• Whip cream right before serving to keep it fluffy and fresh.
• Add a shot of coffee liqueur (optional) for an adult twist.

Equipment for Making Easy Mocha Tres Leches Cake

Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

1. Mixing Bowls (Various Sizes)

• You’ll need at least three bowls, one for the dry ingredients, one for the wet, and one for the egg whites if you’re whipping them separately.
• Having multiple bowls helps you stay organized while baking and ensures your batter mixes evenly.
• Glass or stainless steel bowls work best since they don’t retain odors or oils from previous bakes.

2. Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer

• A mixer saves you a ton of time when beating eggs, whipping cream, or blending the mocha batter until smooth.
• It helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cake a light, fluffy texture.
• If using a stand mixer, the whisk attachment is perfect for aerating the batter and later, for whipping the topping.

3. Rubber Spatula

• A flexible spatula lets you scrape every bit of batter from the bowl so nothing goes to waste.
• It’s also essential for gently folding in whipped egg whites or dry ingredients to maintain volume.
• Silicone spatulas are heat-resistant and easy to clean, a baker’s best friend.

4. 9×13-inch Baking Pan (Glass or Metal)

• This size pan creates the perfect thickness for a tres leches cake that soaks evenly without becoming soggy.
• Glass pans allow you to see how well the milk mixture absorbs, while metal pans bake slightly faster for a golden finish.
• Make sure it’s deep enough (at least 2 inches) to hold the milk mixture without overflowing.

5. Whisk

• A simple whisk is indispensable for combining dry ingredients like flour, cocoa, and baking powder.
• It’s also handy for gently stirring the three-milk mixture before pouring it over the baked cake.
• Using a whisk prevents lumps and ensures your ingredients are well distributed.

6. Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Precision is key when baking. The right balance of milk, coffee, and sugar gives the cake its signature mocha flavor.
• Use dry measuring cups for ingredients like flour and cocoa powder, and liquid ones for milk and brewed coffee.
• Always level off ingredients for accuracy, especially when measuring flour or sugar.

7. Fine Mesh Sieve or Sifter

• Sifting cocoa powder and flour eliminates lumps and helps incorporate air for a lighter cake.
• It’s especially helpful if your cocoa powder tends to clump in humid conditions.
• A quick sift makes all the difference in texture.

8. Offset Spatula or Spreader

• This tool is perfect for spreading whipped cream evenly across the top of the cake.
• Its thin, flexible blade helps you achieve a smooth, bakery-style finish.
• It’s also great for adding chocolate shavings or dusting cocoa powder for presentation.

9. Fork or Skewer

• You’ll use this to poke holes all over the cake after baking, allowing the tres leches mixture to soak in beautifully.
• A fork creates smaller, more even holes, while a skewer allows for deeper absorption.
• Don’t skip this step, it’s the secret to that moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

10. Saucepan (Optional)

• If you prefer to make your coffee syrup or slightly warm the milk mixture before soaking, a small saucepan is ideal.
• Warming the milk blend helps it absorb faster into the cake.
• It’s also useful for melting chocolate if you’re adding a drizzle topping.

11. Handheld Blender or Food Processor (Optional for Frosting)

• These tools can be used to create an ultra-smooth whipped topping if you prefer blending over whipping.
• They help incorporate espresso or cocoa into the topping evenly for a consistent mocha flavor.

12. Refrigerator-Safe Container or Cake Cover

• Since tres leches cake must be chilled for several hours, you’ll need a container that fits your cake pan or a plastic cake cover.
• Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
• If covered well, your cake can stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mocha Tres Leches Cake

This cake isn’t just dessert, it’s a celebration in every bite. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Combines coffee and chocolate for the ultimate mocha flavor.
• Soft, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the three-milk soak.
• Make-ahead friendly, actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
• Crowd-pleasing, dessert that feels fancy but is simple to make.
• Perfect for fiestas, dinner parties, or special family gatherings.
• Customizable, add Kahlua, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings for your twist.
• Coffee antioxidants boost energy and brain focus.
• Calcium and protein from dairy support bone strength.
• Cocoa adds antioxidants that help improve mood.
• Moderate caffeine helps alertness and concentration.
• Homemade control, less sugar than store-bought cakes.

Conclusion

This easy Mocha tres leches cake is where Latin tradition meets the indulgent charm of mocha. Every layer, from the fluffy chocolate sponge to the creamy coffee-soaked center and airy whipped topping, delivers pure bliss.

It’s a dessert that feels festive yet comforting, rich yet balanced. The kind that makes people ask for seconds. So, whether you’re planning a fiesta or just want a sweet treat for the weekend, this cake promises to deliver both elegance and comfort, bite after heavenly bite.

✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.

• Best Juicy Homemade Cheeseburger Recipe
• Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe.
• Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe
• Easy Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
• Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
• Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe
• Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
• Easy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe with Coconut Sauce
• The Best Vietnamese Spring Rolls Fried Recipe
• Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
• Easy BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe
• Best Apple Pie Recipe
• The Best Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
• Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Best Kebab Tortilla Skewers Recipe
• Classic Roast Turkey with Gravy – The Ultimate Holiday Centerpiece
• Best Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
• Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe
• The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Best Prime Rib Roast with Au Jus – A Holiday Masterpiece
• Best Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Easy Holiday Stuffing with Sausage and Herbs
• Easy Homemade Holiday Eggnog Recipe
• Best Mulled Wine Recipe (Holiday Spiced Wine)
• Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
• Easy Champagne Punch Recipe – The Sparkling Star of Any Holiday Party
• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
• Easy Roast Duck with Orange Glaze Recipe
• Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe (Holiday Candy)
• Easy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
• Easy Panettone Recipe (Italian Holiday Bread)
• Easy Yule Log Cake Recipe (Bûche de Noël)
• Easy Dubai Paratha Smash Burger
• Easy One Pan Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
• Easy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Easy Mocha Tres Leches Cake

This Easy Mocha Tres Leches Cake takes the classic Latin American dessert and gives it a coffee-chocolate twist that’s completely irresistible. Imagine a light, airy chocolate sponge cake soaked in a rich mixture of three milks, sweetened condensed, evaporated, and heavy cream, infused with espresso.

Delicious

Author: Lia Agbor Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Brunch, Desert Recipe Keys: Halal Quick Meals Vegan

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 175  C Servings: 8 Calories: 420

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Cake

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• ½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1½ teaspoons Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• ½ cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
• ½ cup Whole Milk
• 1 tablespoon Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder (dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water)

For the Mocha Tres Leches Soak

• 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk
• 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
• ½ cup Heavy Cream
• 1 tablespoon Instant Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee
• 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 2 cups Heavy Cream (cold)
• 3 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Instant Coffee Granules
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For Garnish (Optional)

• Cocoa Powder or Chocolate Shavings
• Espresso Beans
• Chocolate Syrup Drizzle

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

   • Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

   • Grease and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   • Sift the mixture once for a lump-free, airy texture.

   Mark as complete

1. Whip the Eggs and Sugar

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer for about 3–4 minutes until pale and thick.

   • Slowly stream in the vegetable oil, vanilla, and dissolved coffee. Mix until smooth.

   Mark as complete

1. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

   • Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two batches, alternating with milk.

   • Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

   Mark as complete

1. Bake

   • Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

   • Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

   • Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.

   Mark as complete

1. Make the Mocha Tres Leches Soak

   • In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla.

   • Whisk until smooth and well blended.

   Mark as complete

1. Soak the Cake

   • Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake.

   • Slowly pour the mocha milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in gradually.

   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

   Mark as complete

1. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping

   • In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, coffee granules, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

   • Spread evenly over the chilled cake.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Garnish and Serve

   • Dust the top with cocoa powder or scatter chocolate shavings.

   • Slice and serve cold.

   • Optionally drizzle chocolate syrup or caramel for an extra indulgent finish.

   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 1 Slice

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 420kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 13g65%

Cholesterol 125mg42%

Sodium 160mg7%

Potassium 240mg7%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 34g

Protein 8g16%

---

Vitamin A 950 IU

Vitamin C 1 mg

Calcium 180 mg

Iron 1.4 mg

Vitamin D 20 IU

Vitamin E 0.8 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Don’t overbake; dry cakes won’t absorb milk well.
• Let the milk mixture cool slightly before pouring.
• Chill thoroughly for flavor to develop.
• Whip cream in a cold bowl for the best texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the sponge airy.