This dessert combines the warmth of a spiced carrot cake with the rich, creamy texture of a Tres Leches cake. It’s egg-free, can be made without dairy, and is surprisingly simple to make!
Vegan Carrot Cake Tres Leches
This Carrot Cake Tres Leches features a super moist, spiced carrot sponge soaked in a creamy triple milk mixture, topped with velvety whipped cream cheese frosting, and finished with crushed walnuts. It’s the perfect blend of two classic desserts!
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Tres Leches
This Carrot Cake Tres Leches is a culinary masterpiece that marries the comforting flavors of spiced carrot cake with the luscious, creamy texture of a traditional Tres Leches. As a chef, I appreciate how the moistness of the carrot sponge perfectly absorbs the spiced triple milk mixture, resulting in a dessert that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The addition of a velvety whipped cream cheese frosting and the crunch of crushed walnuts creates a harmonious blend of textures. Moreover, being egg-free and adaptable to a dairy-free diet makes this dessert inclusive without sacrificing taste or quality. It’s a delightful twist on two classic desserts that will leave you craving more.
The Perfect Occasion for This Dessert
This Carrot Cake Tres Leches is an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. Its warm, spiced flavors make it particularly suitable for autumn and winter gatherings, such as Thanksgiving dinners, holiday parties, or cozy family get-togethers. The elegance and uniqueness of this dessert also make it a standout choice for special celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries. Additionally, its chilled, creamy nature provides a refreshing contrast, making it equally enjoyable during spring and summer events like brunches or outdoor picnics. Essentially, this versatile dessert is perfect whenever you want to offer something comforting yet sophisticated.
Decoration Tips to Elevate Your Carrot Cake Tres Leches
To make this dessert as visually appealing as it is delicious, consider the following decoration tips:
- Walnut and Carrot Garnish: After frosting, create a simple yet elegant topping by arranging whole walnuts and thinly sliced or julienned carrot strips in a decorative pattern. This not only adds texture but also hints at the flavors within.
- Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the frosting with ground cinnamon using a fine-mesh sieve. This adds a touch of warmth and enhances the visual appeal with a delicate, speckled look.
- Edible Flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing with edible flowers like pansies or marigolds. Their vibrant colors can provide a beautiful contrast against the creamy frosting.
- Piped Frosting Accents: Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to add whipped cream cheese frosting rosettes or other designs along the edges or in a central pattern. This adds a professional touch to your presentation.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, consider drizzling a thin stream of vegan caramel sauce over the top of the cake just before serving.
By incorporating these decoration ideas, your Carrot Cake Tres Leches will not only tantalize the taste buds but also be a feast for the eyes, making it the star of any dessert table.
Carrot Cake Tres Leches
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Sponge:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup plant-based milk almond, soy, or oat
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt soy or coconut
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Spiced Triple Milk Mixture:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup dairy-free condensed milk coconut or oat-based
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1½ cups dairy-free cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dairy-free whipped cream coconut or soy-based
Topping:
- ½ cup crushed walnuts
- Ground cinnamon for dusting optional
Instructions
Prepare the Carrot Cake Sponge:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, dairy-free yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Spiced Triple Milk Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, dairy-free condensed milk, almond milk, cinnamon, and ginger until well combined.
Soak the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface.
- Slowly pour the spiced triple milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it absorbs evenly.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the milk mixture to fully absorb into the sponge.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the dairy-free cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the dairy-free whipped cream until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the Cake:
- Spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the soaked cake.
- Sprinkle the crushed walnuts over the frosting for added texture and flavor.
- Optionally, dust the top with ground cinnamon for extra warmth.
Serve:
- Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled.
- Enjoy this rich, creamy, and spiced Vegan Carrot Cake Tres Leches!
Notes
- Carrot Grating: Make sure to finely grate the carrots to ensure they distribute evenly in the batter.
- Milk Mixture: Adjust the spices in the triple milk mixture to your taste for a stronger or milder spiced flavor.
- Serving: This cake is best served chilled to enhance the creaminess and flavors.
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.