Decadent Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake: An Easy Recipe for Every Celebration

Indulge in a truly remarkable dessert experience with this decadent, sweet, and wonderfully moist Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake. This recipe makes it incredibly easy to create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any gathering, celebration, or simply as a special treat. Our version of this classic Latin American delight is crafted to be entirely gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice of its fluffy, tender goodness. Crowned with a luscious dairy-free whipped cream, this tres leches cake is not just allergen-friendly, but also delivers an unforgettable taste and texture that melts in your mouth.

This post is sponsored by Nature’s Charm. All text and opinions are my own.

What is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres leches cake, which translates to “three milks cake” in Spanish, is a beloved Mexican dessert renowned for its unique texture and incredible sweetness. This classic treat features a light, airy sponge cake generously soaked in a rich, sweet blend of three different milks. Traditionally, this mixture includes evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk, creating a cake that’s exceptionally moist, almost custard-like, and wonderfully decadent. Our gluten-free and dairy-free adaptation captures all the beloved characteristics of this authentic dessert while catering to specific dietary needs. The result is a tender cake that absorbs the luscious “tres leches” mixture beautifully, delivering a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience that is truly unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake Recipe

• Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free with No Adaptations: This non-dairy tres leches cake is meticulously crafted with gluten-free flour and uses only plant-based ingredients, making it an ideal choice for anyone following a vegan or plant-based diet, or for those with common food allergies or sensitivities to gluten and dairy. You won’t need to make any compromises on flavor or texture, as this recipe is designed from the ground up to be inclusive and delicious for all.
• Unmatched Creamy Goodness: The magic of tres leches lies in its unique texture. Our special milk mixture thoroughly soaks into every pore of the spongy cake, transforming it into a luxurious, creamy, and moist delight. Each bite offers a rich, custard-like consistency that is deeply satisfying and incredibly indulgent, leaving you wanting more.
• Serves Beautifully Every Time: Despite its moist nature, this cake is surprisingly sturdy and holds its shape exceptionally well. It cuts and serves smoothly, producing clean, elegant slices that won’t crumble, making it perfect for presenting at any event. The addition of a light and fluffy dairy-free whipped cream topping provides a beautiful visual contrast and serves as an ideal canvas for vibrant garnishes like fresh fruit or toasted coconut flakes.
• Excellent Make-Ahead Dessert: This lactose-free tres leches cake is a dream come true for hosts and hostesses. It can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated overnight, allowing the “tres leches” mixture ample time to fully permeate the cake layers. This extended soaking time not only deepens the flavors but also enhances the cake’s signature moistness. For the freshest presentation, simply add the whipped cream topping just before serving.
• Rich and Balanced Flavor Profile: Beyond its remarkable texture, this cake boasts a complex yet harmonious flavor. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by subtle vanilla notes and the inherent richness of the dairy-free milks, creating a dessert that is incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s a comforting and exotic taste that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Ingredients for the Perfect Tres Leches Cake

To craft this delightful gluten-free and dairy-free tres leches cake, you’ll need a carefully selected array of ingredients that ensure both incredible flavor and perfect texture:

Cake Ingredients

• Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Flour Blend – Essential for keeping this cake allergen-friendly, a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend ensures the cake has the right structure and a tender crumb, mimicking traditional wheat flour without any gluten.
• Fine Almond Flour – This ingredient is crucial for adding a delicious nutty depth of flavor and contributing to the cake’s moistness and delicate texture. Using fine-ground almond flour will yield the smoothest and most consistent batter. I highly recommend Bob’s Red Mill Super-Fine Almond Flour for its superior quality.
• Cornstarch – In gluten-free baking, cornstarch plays a vital role. It significantly improves the cake’s texture, making it more tender and helping to bind the ingredients together, providing much-needed structure in the absence of gluten.
• Salt – A pinch of fine salt is essential for balancing and enhancing all the sweet flavors in the cake, bringing out their full potential.
• Baking Powder – This leavening agent is key to creating lift and airiness in the cake batter, resulting in a spongy texture with small air pockets that are perfect for soaking up all the sweet milk mixture.
• Granulated Sugar – White granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness to the cake and also contributes to its moistness and tender crumb.
• Softened Vegan Butter – Vegan butter adds a crucial richness and the necessary fat content to the cake, contributing to its luxurious texture and flavor. Ensure it’s softened at room temperature for easy and smooth incorporation into the batter.
• Non-Dairy Milk – Your favorite non-dairy milk (such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk) adds moisture to the batter, helping all the ingredients combine smoothly and contributing to the overall tenderness of the cake.
• Vegan Mayonnaise – Surprisingly, vegan mayo, typically made from soy milk and oil, adds an incredible amount of moisture, richness, and subtle flavor to the cake, while keeping the recipe entirely vegan and dairy-free. It’s a secret weapon for an exceptionally moist crumb.
• Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract infuses the cake with warm, comforting, and familiar notes that are essential for a classic dessert flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Milk Mixture Ingredients

• Dairy-Free Evaporated Milk – This ingredient is a cornerstone of tres leches. Evaporated milk has 50-60% of its water removed, resulting in a thicker consistency and a much more concentrated, rich flavor. For this recipe, I’ve found Nature’s Charm evaporated oat milk to be an excellent choice, providing authentic taste and texture.
• Dairy-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk – Essential for the signature sweetness and luxurious thickness of the milk mixture, sweetened condensed milk makes the soaking liquid utterly divine. I highly recommend and used Nature’s Charm sweetened condensed oat milk for its superior quality and flavor.
• Non-Dairy Milk – This is the third milk component, completing the “tres leches” trio. Use any non-dairy milk you prefer, such as almond, oat, or soy, to round out the rich mixture and provide the perfect soaking consistency.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Adding vanilla to the milk mixture further enhances its flavor, providing a harmonious balance with the sweetness and richness.
• Salt – A tiny pinch of salt in the milk mixture beautifully amplifies and balances the overall sweetness and milky flavors.

Whipped Topping Ingredients

• Dairy-Free Whipping Cream – This is the final flourish that crowns your tres leches cake. For optimal fluffiness and stability, it’s crucial to chill your dairy-free whipping cream in the fridge overnight before whipping. This ensures you achieve light, airy peaks that hold their shape beautifully.

Simple Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is carefully developed for the best results, sometimes you need to make adjustments. Here are some simple substitutions you can try:

• Homemade Dairy-Free Evaporated Milk: If you’re having trouble finding dairy-free evaporated milk or simply prefer to make your own, it’s quite simple. In a saucepan over medium heat, gently boil 2¼ cups of your preferred non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) for approximately 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced to about 1 cup. This concentrated milk will work perfectly in the tres leches mixture.
• Alternative Non-Dairy Milks: Feel free to experiment with different non-dairy milks in both the cake batter and the milk soak. While almond, oat, and coconut milks are popular choices, soy milk can also be used, depending on your dietary needs and taste preferences. Just ensure they are unsweetened unless the recipe specifies otherwise.
• Different Sweeteners: While granulated sugar is recommended, you could potentially use other granular sweeteners in the cake batter, though results may vary slightly in texture and moistness. For the milk soak, liquid sweeteners are not recommended as they would alter the consistency significantly.

How to Make Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake

This vegan tres leches cake recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, involving three distinct but equally tasty components: the cake base, the rich milk mixture, and the airy whipped cream topping. Each part is made with common kitchen equipment and comes together to create a stunning and delightfully sweet dessert.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to making it:

How to Make the Tender Gluten-Free Cake

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend, fine almond flour, cornstarch, fine salt, baking powder, and granulated sugar. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps.

Step 2: Incorporate Vegan Butter. Add the softened vegan butter to the dry ingredient mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand or fine crumbs. This step helps create a tender, rich crumb for the cake.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Rest. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk, vegan mayonnaise, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this wet mixture into the prepared dry flour mixture. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth, uniform batter. Crucially, let the batter rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten-free flours to properly hydrate, resulting in a significantly better texture for your baked cake.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch square baking pan by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the baked cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake. Pour the rested cake batter into the prepared pan and gently spread it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 43-48 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for proper milk absorption later.

Step 6: Prick the Cake. Once the cake is completely cooled, use a fork or a toothpick to prick the entire surface of the cake numerous times. Make sure to create many small holes, as this will allow the tres leches milk mixture to penetrate deeply and evenly throughout the cake, ensuring maximum moistness and flavor.

How to Prepare the Creamy Tres Leches Milk Mixture

Step 1: Whisk Milk Mixture Ingredients. In a separate bowl, add all the dairy-free evaporated milk, dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, your chosen non-dairy milk, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Soak the Cake. Carefully pour the prepared milk mixture evenly over the entire pricked surface of the cooled cake. Ensure the entire top is covered. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the cake to soak up the milk mixture for a minimum of 1 hour, or ideally, overnight. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful and moist the cake will become.

How to Create the Fluffy Dairy-Free Whipped Cream Topping & Assemble Your Cake

Step 1: Whip the Cream. In a large, chilled mixing bowl, pour the very cold dairy-free whipping cream. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the cream on medium-high speed for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes light, airy, and forms fluffy peaks. Ensure the cream is thoroughly chilled for the best results.

Step 2: Top and Chill. Once the cake has fully absorbed the milk mixture and is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Evenly spread the fluffy dairy-free whipped topping over the entire surface of the cake. Return the assembled cake to the fridge and keep it chilled until you are ready to serve.

Step 3: Garnish (Optional). For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon over the whipped cream, or artfully arrange fresh sliced strawberries or other berries on top. Shredded coconut or a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce can also make beautiful garnishes.

Expert Recipe Success Tips

Achieving the perfect gluten-free and dairy-free tres leches cake is easy with these helpful tips:

• Allow the Batter to Rest for 30 Minutes Before Baking. This step is critically important for gluten-free baked goods. Gluten-free flours require more time to fully absorb liquids than traditional wheat flours. Allowing the batter to rest ensures that the flours properly hydrate, which leads to a softer, more cohesive, and less crumbly cake texture. Don’t skip this for an optimal result!
• Cool the Cake Completely in the Pan. Once baked, let your cake cool entirely in its baking pan on a wire rack. A fully cooled cake is much firmer and more capable of absorbing the generous amount of milk mixture without becoming soggy or falling apart. Attempting to soak a warm cake can lead to a mushy texture.
• Prick the Cake Generously with a Fork or Toothpick. The more holes you create, the better! Thoroughly pricking the entire surface of the cooled cake ensures that the sweet milk mixture can penetrate deeply and evenly throughout every inch of the spongy cake layer. This deep saturation is what gives tres leches its signature moist and decadent texture.
• Plan for Ample Time for the Tres Leches Mixture to Soak. Patience is key for this dessert! The tres leches mixture needs at least one hour to soak into the cake layer, but for truly superior flavor and texture, I highly recommend allowing it to soak up to overnight in the refrigerator. This extended soaking period allows the cake to fully absorb all the rich liquid, intensifying the flavors and making the cake incredibly tender and easy to serve.
• Always Start with Very Cold Whipping Cream. For the fluffiest, most stable dairy-free whipped cream topping, ensure your dairy-free whipping cream has been thoroughly chilled in the fridge, preferably overnight. Cold cream whips up faster, achieves greater volume, and holds its peaks much better, creating that beautiful, airy topping you desire.

Creative Recipe Variations

While delicious on its own, this gluten-free tres leches cake can be easily customized with delightful flavor variations:

• Tropical Coconut Tres Leches Cake. To infuse your cake with exotic coconut flavor, use sweetened condensed coconut milk and evaporated coconut milk in the milk mixture. Top the dairy-free whipped cream layer with generous sprinkles of shredded or flaked toasted coconut for added texture and aroma. A touch of coconut extract in the cake batter can further amplify the tropical notes.
• Warm Cinnamon Tres Leches. For a comforting spice, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon directly to the dry cake batter ingredients. Once the cake is topped with whipped cream, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and a touch of sugar (cinnamon sugar) over the surface. For an elegant touch, serve alongside a warm mug of cinnamon tea or garnish each slice with a whole cinnamon stick.
• Rich Chocolate Tres Leches. Transform this cake into a chocolate lover’s dream! After spreading the dairy-free whipped topping, shave or grate your favorite non-dairy chocolate bar over the top for a sophisticated finish. You could also swirl in some dairy-free chocolate syrup into the milk mixture for a more intense chocolate experience, or even add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a subtle chocolate sponge.
• Enhanced Almond Tres Leches. This recipe already benefits from the comforting nutty flavor of almond flour in the cake. To deepen the almond essence, add an additional ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter and another ½ teaspoon to the dairy-free whipping cream before beating. Garnish the finished cake with toasted slivered or sliced almonds for an elegant presentation and an extra layer of crunch.
• Fruity Berry Bliss Tres Leches. Incorporate fresh berries for a burst of freshness. You can fold gently mashed berries (like raspberries or blueberries) into the whipped cream topping, or simply arrange a medley of fresh sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries over the top for a vibrant and delicious contrast.

Best Serving Suggestions

This easy gluten-free and dairy-free tres leches cake is best enjoyed chilled, allowing its moist texture and rich flavors to truly shine. It’s made even more beautiful and inviting when finished with a dash of warm cinnamon or garnished with vibrant fresh fruits.

Consider serving it alongside:

• A freshly brewed cup of hot or iced Tea.
• A rich and comforting mug of authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate.
• A colorful platter of perfectly ripe Sliced Fresh Fruit, such as mangoes, berries, or kiwi, to complement the cake’s sweetness.
• Your favorite hot or cold Coffee for a delightful pairing.
• A scoop of dairy-free vanilla bean or coconut ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Directions

• Store: Tres leches cake maintains its deliciousness when kept covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve on the second day!
• Freeze: To extend its life, freeze tres leches cake *without* the whipped cream topping. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and it can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost the cake overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh whipped cream.

FAQs

Tools Needed to Make This Recipe

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing this tres leches cake a breeze:

• Measuring Cups & Spoons (for accurate ingredient portions)
• Mixing Bowls (at least two large, one medium)
• Spatula (for scraping bowls and spreading batter)
• 8×8 Square Baking Pan (the ideal size for this recipe)
• Fork or Toothpick (for pricking the cake)
• Whisk (for combining dry ingredients and milk mixture)
• Hand Mixer or Electric Stand Mixer (essential for whipping cream)
• Wire Cooling Rack (for cooling the cake evenly)

More Delightful Cake Recipes

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you loved this Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake recipe as much as I do. For more mouth-watering dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or vegan dessert inspiration, make sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get all of my newest content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for my email newsletter — I promise not to spam you!