You can have your cake and drink it too with this luscious Pina Colada Tres Leches Cake! Adding the flavors of a favorite fruity summer cocktail puts an even more tropical twist on an already delicious Hispanic dessert!
It’s Friday. It’s summer (well, almost). The sun is out and the world is still spinning.
Let’s put aside any sadness or stress we might be feeling and eat some cake, shall we?
This Pina Colada Tres Leches Cake is life changing.
Pretty please tell me you’ve had the perfection that is tres leches cake??
Otherwise known as three milk cake (or pastel de tres leches en Español), the tres leches cake originates from Latin America. It consists of a light, spongy cake liberally soaked with different milks to give it a super moist and tender texture.
I’ll be the first to say it’s not for everyone. Working in a grocery store that produced them for so many years allowed me to hear both sides of the pro-con list. Some folks absolutely abhor “that wet cake.”
The hatred I’ve seen directed at dessert knows no bounds.
Then there are others (like me) who feel it’s a treat straight from heaven itself.
This particular tres leches cake recipe is a bit different in that it’s a riff on a Piña Colada cocktail. The sponge cake is infused with crushed pineapple and it’s juices, and the soaking leches replace the whole milk with coconut milk.
And of course, there’s rum. In all three parts of this cake actually.
You could even soak your pineapple wedge garnishes in rum, if you’re feeling particularly festive.
How to make Tres Leches Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and have it handy.
- Combine your dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together.
- Beat egg yolks and sugar on medium high speed until thick and pale yellow. Stir in pineapple juice, vanilla and rum, then fold in the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Very gently fold the egg whites into the batter in 3 additions – don’t worry if there are a few white streaks. Fold in half of the crushed pineapple.
- Pour the batter into the baking pan and spread the remaining pineapple on top of the batter.
- Bake for 30 minutes and let cool completely.
- Whisk milks, vanilla and rum together in a bowl. Poke holes in the cooled cake using a skewer or fork, reaching down to the bottom. Pour the milk mixture over the cake, being sure to soak the whole top. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 3-24 hours.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, and coconut chips.
This might be the best tres leches cake ever!
Coconut tres leches is my absolute favorite version of this classic Hispanic dessert. Abe brought home a couple of pieces from work a few years ago, which was when my obsession began.
Throwing pineapple into the mix just made sense.
Enjoying this three milk cake is an experience. While it’s both rich and sweet, it’s also very light and so easy to eat on a hot summer day. Plus, the tropical flavors make it the perfect addition to any picnic, party, or barbecue.
And of course – don’t forget Cinco de Mayo!
Tips for making great tres leches cakes:
- If you’re not a fan of pineapple, leave it out and make a standard coconut tres leches recipe! Just replace the pineapple juice in the recipe with an equal amount of coconut milk.
- Mix up your milks! In a standard tres leches mixture, equal parts of evaporated, sweetened condensed, and whole milks are used. Sub out the whole milk for 1%, coconut milk, almond milk, or half and half. You could even try eggnog!
- The recipe CAN be made with cake mix – just be sure to pick a white mix versus butter or yellow. And don’t skip folding the egg whites in, as that is what makes this cake so light and fluffy.
- Let the cake soak for as long as possible. Leaving it overnight in the fridge allows plenty of time for the cake to really take in all the moisture.
- Don’t like your cake too moist? Feel free to adjust the amount of liquid depending on your tastes. If you prefer more texture to your tres leches cake, cut back the amount of milks you pour over the cake to half or 3/4 of the what this recipe calls for.
Love all thing Pina Colada? Try one of these other tasty treats!
Pina Colada Tres Leches Cake
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice from can
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¾ cup crushed pineapple drained with juice reserved
Tres Leches
- 1 can unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut rum
Coconut Rum Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- ½ teaspoon coconut rum
- ½ cup coconut chips
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
Sponge Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or using a hand mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar on medium high speed about 5 minutes, until thick and pale yellow.
- Stir the pineapple juice, vanilla and rum in on low speed. Add the flour mixture and gently fold in.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium high speed until soft peaks form. Very gently fold the egg whites into the batter in 3 additions - don't worry if there are a few white streaks. Stir in half of the crushed pineapple.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the remaining pineapple on top of the batter.
- Bake until the cake is golden and the center bounces back when touched gently, about 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
Tres Leches
- In a medium bowl, combine the milks, vanilla and rum, whisking to combine.
- Use a skewer or fork to poke holes in the cake, reaching down to the bottom. Pour the milk mixture over the cake, being sure to soak the whole top. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Coconut Rum Whipped Cream
- Combine the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla and coconut extracts, and rum in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip until cream reaches soft-medium peaks.
- With a rubber spatula, spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake. Top with coconut chips, slices of pineapple and maraschino cherries.
Notes
Nutrition
PIN THIS PINA COLADA TRES LECHES CAKE RECIPE FOR LATER!
This recipe was originally published on July 10, 2015. It was edited, rewritten, and republished on June 8, 2018.
Gabriela Keeton says
You’ve posted great recipes so far. My suggestion for other recipes would be things that can be done quickly. I usually end up making dinner late in the day and it takes forever so we end up eating dinner when it’s quite late. So maybe some dinner dishes that would take about 30 minutes to put together and on the table.
charlotte says
love to have one of your yum cupcakes I have a sweet tooth that don’t quit.
Lisa Brown says
maybe more gluten-free desserts
WhateverColourYouLike says
Gluten-free dessert is an oxymoron.
Catherine says
Dear Erica, I love the sound of this cake! What a tropical treat.
Blogging has been an outlet for me, and though like you, I don’t get too personal, just through sharing recipes and small bits of my life has helped me release so much. It gives me something to look forward to and put all my energy to good use. Honestly, I do not know what else I would do if I did not have my blog.
The best part about blogging is all the wonderful people you meet and friendships that are made. Though I don’t make as many recipes from each as I would like (I already get people asking me what I do with all the food I have on my site), I am constantly inspired and I learn through other bloggers’ experience.
All in all, it’s a wonderful experience and I am so blessed to be a part of it. Have a wonderful day dear! xo, Catherine
Sharon says
I like the single serve desserts and those old favorites from the 50’s and 60’s. Or earlier!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
Oh, boy! This cake is calling my name! I love me a good pina colada! As for the blog and opening up, I say go for it. This is your blog and your outlet, so share what you feel led to share. And keep the yummy recipes coming along with it!!! Happy one year!!!!
Stacey Roberson says
I would love to see some dessert recipes that can be made in the crockpot.
Jen says
I’d love some easy, summer recipes…maybe grilled!
Anita L says
I would always enjoy seeing easy crock pot meals!
Linda Trinklein says
We are peanut and egg free ( due to life threatening Allergies) I would love to see some allergy friendly recipes ๐
Thank you ! I am very much enjoying your blog!!
Elle says
I’d love recipes where you show maybe healthier options for popular desserts – like healthier versions of them with tips to cut the calories but still keep the taste.
Steven weber says
I would like to see more vegan recipes!
Michelle J. says
Party (finger food) recipes.
Jeff the Chef says
Great cake idea! I love the flavors, and the inclusion of alcohol. Congrats on making it to your one-year anniversary!
Melissa S says
I would love to see more quick, throw together meals that use fresh ingredients. Weeknights during the school year can be hectic.
sarah k says
I love Tres Leches cake and this is a twist on it I haven’t seen before, I not sure what to suggest I just got an ice maker so maybe some simple ice cream recipes and anything with coconut or peanut butter.
Amy | Club Narwhal says
Erica, I am so with you on pina coladas! And I am in the process of making the Completely Delicious version as I type–what are the odds? Yours sounds amazing, too ๐ I am not one to share a ton of personal things on my blogs but love reading bloggers who do. It would be fun to get more behind the scenes posts, too. Happy blogiversary!
Alison H. says
I would love to see some healthy crock pot meals.
Ashley Perez says
I love dessert recipes. ๐
jessica z says
I would love some lightened up versions of chocolatey cakes!
Stevie says
Yum now I want a pina colada! I would say as for recipes… more crock pot. I just started using one so I need more ideas haha
Natalie says
I would love to see more healthy dessert recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes.
shelly peterson says
Crock pot and Mexican food recipes!
Vania says
allergy friendly food recipes please
rachel cartucci says
Wow……this is so nice of you. I would love coconut dessert recipes….with lots of pictures…..YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS~
Serge B says
More summer dessert recipes! This one looks great
Andrea Williams says
I would like any kind of recipe that can be made in a crock pot.
Heather S says
Desserts for two! ๐
Carolsue says
I would like to see more pasta recipes as well as other vegetarian dishes
LaShawn says
Can I just say that I love all of your recipes! And I can’t WAIT to try this one!
Trish says
This cake looks AMAZING! As for recipes, I am always looking for: crockpot, one dish – and vegetarian.
Joyce@MommyTalkShow says
Reading this recipe and dreaming about cake while I sit in the doctor’s office after fasting for blood work is torture. Looks yummy.
Brenda @DailyMayo says
Finding the “story” in topics like food can be a challenge! Maybe explain how the recipes are important to your personally or a part of your life. Aside from all that, I make most of the recipes I pin. ๐
Rita A says
Simple and very decadent chocolate recipes!
ERin- Sixth Bloom says
Erica, this looks AMAZING! I’ll have to pin for later too!
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!! How exciting. Having started my blog at age 51, I don’t think you got a late start. I think you started at the perfect time. Keep following your heart and instincts. People read your blog because you make it such a warm and wonderful place to visit. Share what you are comfortable sharing and your readers will travel your journey with you. <3
Alex from Sew, Simmer, and Share says
OMG this looks soooo delicious and beautiful and I’m drooling all over my keyboard!
Kevin E says
How about quick and tasty appetizer recipes
Elena says
I would like to see some French desserts
aaron reck says
Is it to early to request zucchini recipes?
Tee A says
crock pot recipes would be great for me. I work full time. thanks.
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
Happy belated blog birthday! This cake looks and sounds amazing! I love a good tres leches cake!! I love easy quick dinner recipes too. ๐
Julie Lamb says
I love cupcakes .. so something with cupcakes would be great !
Sandy Klocinski says
Really simple to make. Looks like a crowd pleaser. Thanks for the recipe
Sandy Klocinski says
I would like something to impress my friends and family! You are fantastic, fun, and fabulous!
Julie M says
I would love some more simple summer recipes!
Tiffany of Macarons and Coffee says
More gluten free recipes!!
Mendy Dinsmore says
I would like to recipes for watermelon, blueberries and squash. We live these and could use more recipes for them.
Erica @ Coming Up Roses says
This cake looks PHENOMENAL, Erica. But beyond that, I DO read your posts, and I think you’re pretty damn funny. I think your personality shines through, even amongst “pretty pictures of food” and your inherited baking skillz. Definitely get deep with us…I for one would love to get to know the gal behind the cupcakes!
And I’m with ya on the pina colada obsession. Come to Philly and we’ll grab some and swap Nana stories!
Coming Up Roses
Leigh Powell Hines says
This looks amazing. I adore a pina colada taste. Love this.
Simon Slavik says
Would like to see recipes of cakes based on honey or curd.
Brenda Penton says
I’d love to see more diabetic friendly desserts.
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
What a great idea — turning a tres leche cake into pina colada flavor. It sounds delicious!
BlackAsphodel says
Anything that’s vegetarian or vegan would be nice. Thank you!
TechFreaksHD says
Now i’m seriously hungry! time to make that thing at home ๐ Thank you very much
Tammie Venne says
high protein, low sugar
Kay says
I’d like to see more recipes like this one — things I haven’t seen anywhere before!
Wanda McHenry says
Crepe brunch recipes! I can’t wait to make this cake for Sunday dessert!
Faye Gates says
I can’t even pick a recipe, or food. You do such a great job, on keeping everyone on top of new recipes.
Steve Williams says
Looks tasty!
Jenny Ham says
Low fat desserts
kathy mcclanahan says
would love to read about quick, summertime recipes that feature garden produce!
lynette says
love your blog. my only suggestion would be more quick easy recipes or stuff you can prep ahead and pull together quickly. thanks
thomas friedman says
want to win
Ana says
I would love homemade icecream recipes and salad dressings, thanks!
Sarah Mosca says
I love all your recipes!!!
Meghan Castillo says
I would love to see more Summer ideas for outdoors. Maybe summers cakes or fruits/sweets
shevar holiday says
everything on there looks delicious
Courtnie Miller says
I’d like some quick and easy dinner recipes.
Ashleigh Swope says
I’m craving some dessert now!
Shelia Pearman says
Love this recipe/idea — expands that I’ve been making all cakes substituting can of crushed pineapple for water amount. Would love to expand my groceries with the $100 gift card (limited income/large medical bills) Thanks
katherine tino says
Adult popsicles ie…booze infused popsicles!
David Yang says
Sauce Recipes
Ana says
anything Mexican!!
Maranda Hymes says
Cupcake and Crockpot recipes never fail to excite me. Happy Blogiversary! ๐
amy tolley says
easy kids recipes they can help with
Lisa says
I really love brownies and pies!
Domenique says
This looks amazing. I just stumbled onto your blog and I’m not entirely sure what you’ve posted thus far. It looks fun and creative…
My go to answer for this is always the perfect cinnamon bun. You may have already done it. I’ll be back to snoop more later.
diane says
any kind of deserts receipes
Carol says
I like take-a-long sides.
Debra S says
I would love a lot more “one pot” or dump dinner recipes. I hate cooking, actually. Well, it’s not the cooking, but the cleaning. While the man here sits on his hind end… retired. But does that mean he still has to be waited on hand and foot while I still do everything plus still work part-time
Katerra says
Really like this blog excited for the giveaway
Allyson Ballard Bossie says
Keep the desserts coming. I like things I can take to parties and cookouts!
Dana Rodriguez says
I would love to see desserts for two!
Wanda Smith says
I would love to see more quick and easy recipes!
Sharon Kaminski says
I would like some frozen dessert recipes for the summer.
james doyle says
any high protein desserts ๐ I workout a lot <3
greg says
summer adult beverages
deborah penney says
I love cheesecake about any kind ….even if you throw in diffrent kinds of candy in it….yum…! I would like to see receipes like that please and thank you! ๐
Lyn M says
Anything sweet lol, I love to bake and have been looking for some new recipes to try, especially anything with blueberries
Robin M says
I’d like to see some plum recipes.
danizilla says
The type of recipes I typically look for are things that can be made quickly from pantry staples or don’t require a lot of fresh ingredients. I’m disabled and I don’t cook from scratch often as it typically requires a lot more time standing in the kitchen than I can handle.
La Vonne Yates says
I love to bake! So anything would interest me! Surprise me!
Steph says
I would love to see some healthier desserts
Rachel says
I’d love to see some recipes for appetizers to serve at a party!
Chrystal D says
Some seafood recipes using uncommon types of fish.
LaTanya says
grilled fruits and veggies
Elizabeth C. says
I would love to see burger recipes and desserts….. Cupcakes!!
Andrea says
Peanut butter! I need more peanut butter recipes ๐
Sara Weekley says
Smoothie recipes or frozen drinks
Shemp DeYoung (@ShempGames) says
I’d like to see recipes that try to replicate recipes of items from movies and TV.
Daniel Thornton says
Pumpkin cake, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, and any other recipe’s with pumpkin
Alexandra robertson says
would love to see some no bake desserts since it is so hot here in az!
Kelly Nicholson says
What kinds of recipes would you like to see me share next? Throw out some ideas!
cakes ,pies or cookie..i like sweets thanks
frank says
thank you
jose benavides says
Some taco recipes would be awesome .
Tracy K says
Gluten free recipes!
Tara says
I want to see more chocolate!
Michelle S says
I like to see quick and healthy dinners, though this dessert looks AMAZING! ๐
Marissa C. says
I’m all about dessert recipes! If I’m going to put time into making it, I want it to be decadent and amazing!
Layne Austin says
Recipes for healthy but yummy salads!
mary lee anderson says
I would like to see more crockpot recipes for summer cooking with fresh vegetables and fruits.
Daniel M says
always looking for healthier snacks
Gabrielle says
Recipes for one person would be really helpful.
Mary Songer says
I would love you to keep posting these tasty dessert recipes. I will be trying several I’ve seen here and I’ll be back for more!
amanda whitley says
i really need easy ,healthy , cheap meals…if that even exists lol
David Balkin says
I like idiot-proof recipes. Seriously. If there’s a measurement in the recipe other than “whole box of,” I’m pretty much done.
Ty says
You have posted so many great recipes. I would like to see some quick and easy dessert ideas. My 15 y/o is learning to bake and I would like to try some fun desserts with her.
FRANK says
I would lo\ike to see dessert recipes.
Jennifer Bryan says
I would like to see more dessert recipes.
kath g says
I’m always looking for more finger food recipes to make for family gatherings and can always use crock pot recipes.
chelsie nicole says
Mexican food recipes would be awesome! ๐
Bryan D. says
Awesome! I love tres leches.
Michael Perkins says
Two words… Chocolate & Cherries…… and… GO!
Priscilla S. says
During the summertime I enjoy seeing recipes that make use of all the great seasonal fruit and lighter dinner and dessert recipes are always welcome.
Carol Hays says
This recipe looks amazing and delicious. I’m gonna give it a try!
Patricia B says
Really enjoy your recipes, I’d like to see more quick dinner ideas, I ran out of ideas myself.
Frank says
Everything to do with chocolate and strawberries <3
Anna Engdahl says
I’d like to see more fish and seafood recipes. Thanks
Nancy Hilderbrand says
I love your site and will enjoy making them
Beth Minyard says
Some cool type of foods that you can eat on a hot day without having to use your oven! In Washington we don’t have AC in our homes (most people) and using the oven just makes it unbearable in the house!
Kamella says
I’d love to see more healthier dessert recipes that are quick & easy to make.
Billie R says
Some sweet, single serve desserts would be great. Something to satisfy a craving, the easier the better of course.
Danielle Gosha says
This looks so good! Can’t wait to bake!
sandra says
maybe some layered or ice cream cakes?
joe vucjak says
diabetic cakes
Shana Wright says
What are your favorite “no bake” cookies??? ๐
Kimberly K. says
A White Russian or an Amaretto Cupcake.
Abel Perez says
Any recipe with chocolate is always good ๐
greentopiaries says
I would like desserts under 150 calorie recipes. Thanks for the chance!
Trina says
I just want to see the best recipes u already know. Especially the ones your Nana taught u because old school recipes are always the best! Thank u so much for sharing your love of baking.
N. Harvel says
Anything chocolate would be nice.
Joyce says
More easy to make desserts!
Allan says
That looks super yummy!
Jacob says
I would love to see more toaster oven recipes. We recently got one and love cooking on that small scale
Bridgett Wilbur says
I would love to see some stir fry recepies.
Racquelle says
Dessert recipes!
Linda Bradshaw says
I would love to see more crockpot meals. We love those because they are easy.
Carrie Conrad says
I would love to see more easy summer salad recipes. I am always trying to find different options to go with my drilled meats.
Laura Worley says
Diabetic friendly
Melissa Teears says
I love easy dessert recipes.
Tracy M says
I just came across your blog. Although I’m not much of a baker, this tres leche cake looks amazing! I’d love to see some quick & healthy dinner ideas, along with some easy & healthy desert recipes.
Debbie Smyl says
Lots of recipes including fresh fruits!
Heather R says
This cake looks absolutely amazing! Pineapple is my favorte, so any pineapple dessert is almost guaranteed to be something I’ll enjoy. Gonna have to try this one out before summer is over.
Nina L says
I would like to see more cupcakes with fillings please.
Frank P says
I’d like to see more dessert recipes.
Trena says
I love easy to make recipes with ingredients you have on hand or are easy to find in the grocery store and not too expensive. Especially at this time of year love things I can take to a picnic or camping or that will work for potlucks in the winter time.
heather c says
I like easy stuff that’s healthy and filling.
Erika JM says
I would like to see recipes about mini versions of food: mac’n’cheese cups, lasagna cups, peach cobbler cups,etc.
MellyR says
This recipe looks delicious and I might try it at some point very soon! lol
Heather says
30 minute meals or quicker! ๐
Brigitte B says
I would love to see a recipes for healthy meals that are quick and easy to make.
Lauren P says
I’d love to see gluten free subs or options. This recipe looks delicious!
Tyneisha says
My hubby is from El Salvador so I would love to see more traditional Latin desserts!
Aarti Dogra says
i love anything with chocolate ๐
Peggy Johnson says
quick easy on the go ideas for breakfast
Tiffany says
Oh my!! This looks, sounds and seems like it is just the very definition of decadent….yum yummy!
Randi says
My husband is from Mexico amd today is his birthday. As usual, he requested a tres leches cake. I was looking for something different and came across this. The sponge just came out of the oven and it’s perfect! My usual problem is the sponge is too dense, I can tell that this one isn’t. Can’t wait for it to cool so I can start the next steps!
Sandi says
I love that you made my favorite drink into a dessert! I can’t wait to try this cake!
Nancy Buchanan says
Have mercy!!! This takes Tres Leches to a whole new level! So perfect for summer grilling menus – definitely bookmarking for later!!