This Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake combines sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, salt, coconut milk, almond milk, and sweetened condensed coconut milk for a delightful dairy-free version of the classic tres leches cake.
When I was growing up, tres leches cake was a staple at every family celebration. Its light, airy texture soaked in three types of milk, and topped with whipped cream, made it an irresistible treat. However, as time went on, many of my loved ones discovered they were lactose intolerant. This prompted me to embark on a quest to recreate this beloved dessert without the dairy. After countless trials and taste tests, I finally perfected the Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake. Now, it’s a favorite at our gatherings, and everyone can indulge without worry. Seeing my family enjoy this cake without any discomfort brings me immense joy.
What makes this Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake special ?
The Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake stands out for several reasons:
- Dairy-Free Delight: Made entirely without dairy, this cake is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
- Light and Airy Texture: Despite being dairy-free, the cake maintains the light and airy texture of the traditional tres leches cake.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk, and sweetened condensed coconut milk creates a rich and creamy flavor profile.
- Coconut Whipped Topping: The coconut whipped topping adds an extra layer of indulgence, making this cake a true treat.
- Versatile: This cake can be enjoyed by everyone, whether they have dietary restrictions or not, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
What do you need to make this Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake special:
Creating a dairy-free version of the classic tres leches cake required some clever ingredient swaps to maintain the traditional flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they work so well.
Points List
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a light and fluffy cake.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and giving the cake its airy texture.
- Vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure.
- Baking Powder and Salt: Baking powder helps the cake rise, while salt enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsweetened Canned Coconut Milk: Adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor.
- Almond Milk: A light, dairy-free alternative that blends well with other ingredients.
- Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy consistency, mimicking traditional sweetened condensed milk.
- Cinnamon (Optional): A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic touch to the finished cake.
- Coconut Cream: Used for the whipped topping, adding a luxurious, creamy finish.
- Powdered Sugar and Vanilla Extract: Sweeten and flavor the coconut whipped topping.
Steps to make this Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake
Making the Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and indulgent dessert. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect result every time.
Summarize Steps in Paragraphs
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 baking dish. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and release easily from the dish.
- Mixing the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar, beating until smooth. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, creating a light texture.
- Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so it’s important to stop as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
- Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully cooked.
- Preparing the Milk Mixture: While the cake is baking, combine the unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk, and sweetened condensed coconut milk in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will soak into the cake, giving it its signature moist texture.
- Soaking the Cake: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and use a fork to pierce the top all over. Pour the milk mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to absorb the liquid as it cools to room temperature. Once cool, cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to become wonderfully moist.
- Making the Whipped Topping: Do not shake the cans of coconut cream before opening. Carefully scoop the solid cream into a large bowl, setting the liquid aside for another use. Whisk the coconut cream until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until light and fluffy.
- Finishing Touches: Frost the cake with the coconut whipped topping and dust with cinnamon, if desired. Chill the cake until you are ready to serve, ensuring the topping stays firm and the flavors continue to develop.
Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake
This Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake combines sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, salt, coconut milk, almond milk, and sweetened condensed coconut milk for a delightful dairy-free version of the classic tres leches cake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
- ½ cup almond milk
- 1 11 oz can sweetened condensed coconut milk
- Ground cinnamon for garnish optional
- Coconut Whipped Topping
- 2 13 oz cans coconut cream
- ¾-1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Beat together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30-34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating that the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture:
- While the cake is baking, combine the unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk, and sweetened condensed coconut milk in a large bowl.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Soak the Cake:
- Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven.
- Using a fork, pierce the top of the cake all over to create holes for the milk mixture to seep into.
- Pour the milk mixture evenly over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to ensure the milk is fully absorbed.
- Prepare the Coconut Whipped Topping:
- Without shaking, open the cans of coconut cream and carefully scoop the solid cream from the top into a large mixing bowl, setting aside the liquid for another use.
- Whisk the coconut cream until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Assemble and Garnish:
- Once the cake has been refrigerated and the milk mixture fully absorbed, frost the cake with the coconut whipped topping.
- Optionally, dust the top of the cake with ground cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Chill the cake until you are ready to serve.
- Enjoy this delicious and creamy Triple Dream Dairy-Free Cake, a delightful and inclusive twist on the classic tres leches cake.