🎃 Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake – A Fall-Inspired Creamy Dream

If you’re a fan of classic Tres Leches Cake, get ready to fall in love all over again with this cozy autumn twist! This Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake blends the warm flavors of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the creamy, milky richness of the beloved Latin dessert.

Soaked in a luscious three-milk mixture and topped with pillowy whipped cream, this cake is soft, moist, and bursting with fall flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to bring a little seasonal magic to your table. 🍂✨

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Combines pumpkin spice and tres leches into one unforgettable dessert
✅ Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced
✅ Easy to make ahead – gets even better after chilling overnight
✅ Beautiful and impressive but beginner-friendly
✅ Perfect for fall parties and holiday celebrations

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🍰 What Is Tres Leches Cake?

“Tres leches” means three milks in Spanish, referring to the sweet milk mixture poured over the cake after baking. Traditionally, it’s made with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.

In this version, we add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices to the cake batter, creating a soft sponge that soaks up the creamy mixture beautifully. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dessert that tastes like pumpkin pie and vanilla custard combined!

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🍂 Ingredients

🧁 For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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🥛 For the Tres Leches Mixture:

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra spice)

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🍦 For the Whipped Topping:

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish (or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup).

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Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cake

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool for 10–15 minutes before proceeding.

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Step 3: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture

In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and cinnamon.

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Step 4: Soak the Cake

Once the cake has slightly cooled, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer.
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the entire cake, allowing it to soak in gradually.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

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Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Spread evenly over the chilled cake.

Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive finish. 🎃

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture.
• Top each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
• Garnish with candied pecans or a dollop of pumpkin whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert.

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🧊 Storage

• Refrigerate: Cover tightly and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cake (without whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and add topping before serving.

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🍁 Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Tres Leches

💡 Use real pumpkin puree, not pie filling, to control sweetness and flavor.
💡 Let the cake cool slightly before pouring on the milk mixture — it absorbs better when warm but not hot.
💡 Chill overnight for the creamiest, most flavorful texture.
💡 Don’t skip the spices! They transform this cake into a fall masterpiece.

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🍷 Perfect Pairings

☕ Hot coffee or chai latte – the spice complements the pumpkin beautifully.
🍮 Caramel latte or pumpkin spice latte – for the ultimate fall dessert duo.
🍂 Maple-glazed pecans or toasted coconut – for a crunchy topping option.

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💛 Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches Cake is a dreamy combination of creamy, spiced, and perfectly sweet flavors that melt in your mouth. It’s the best of both worlds — the comforting richness of tres leches with the cozy charm of pumpkin pie.

Elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday indulgence, this dessert is bound to become a fall favorite. Serve it chilled, top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and watch everyone fall in love at first bite. 🍰🍂✨

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