Pumpkin Tres Leches with Cake Mix Recipe
This Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake is a moist, spiced white cake soaked in a luscious blend of three milks—evaporated, sweetened condensed, and whole milk—with the addition of pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spices for a seasonal twist. Topped with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, it’s a perfect dessert for fall celebrations or any time you crave a rich, creamy treat with a hint of autumn flavor.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and soaking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Mix Ingredients
- 1 Box White Cake Mix
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 4 Eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin Puree
- 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
Tres Leches Mixture
- 12 ounces Evaporated Milk
- 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk (or 10 ounces for less sweet)
- 6 ounces Whole Milk
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 8 ounces Heavy Whipping Cream (16 oz for extra topping)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar or Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice for sprinkling
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease just the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray, oil, or butter to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, melted unsalted butter, eggs, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. There is no need to add additional water or milk. Using a handheld mixer, blend for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes on a wire rack by itself or on the counter.
- Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture: While the cake cools, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk (use 10 ounces if you prefer a less sweet version), whole milk, and cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if desired. Mix until combined.
- Soak the Cake: Once the cake has sufficiently cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. Slowly and evenly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing the liquid to soak in a little at a time to avoid overflow.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.
- Make the Whipped Cream: Before serving, chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for a few minutes, then pour in the heavy whipping cream, add sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Top and Serve: Remove the soaked cake from the refrigerator and spread the whipped cream evenly over the top. Sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice as a finishing touch. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a less sweet cake, reduce the sweetened condensed milk to 10 ounces.
- Make sure to poke plenty of holes in the cake to allow the milk mixture to fully soak through.
- Using freshly ground pumpkin pie spice enhances the flavor but pre-made blends work fine.
- Chilling the mixing bowl before whipping cream helps achieve stiff peaks faster.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free whipped topping alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Tres Leches, Pumpkin Cake, Tres Leches Cake, Pumpkin Dessert, Fall Dessert, Creamy Cake, Spiced Cake