Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that is both comforting and indulgent, the Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches is the answer you’ve been craving. This luscious cake is wonderfully spongy, perfectly soaked with a trio of plant-based milks infused with the warm essence of pumpkin, making it a true autumn favorite. Every forkful feels like a celebration of cozy spices and creamy sweetness, all while keeping it completely vegan and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from the spices that create that unmistakable pumpkin flavor, to the oat milks that soak the cake in luxurious moisture, ensuring every bite is tender and rich.

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake; opt for gluten-free flour if needed to accommodate dietary preferences.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder: Freshness matters here to help the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Works together with baking powder to give a light texture — fresh is best to avoid heaviness.
• 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice: Blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that classic pumpkin spice magic.
• 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors; table salt works too.
• 1 cup Unsweetened Oat Milk: Barista-style oat milk gives extra creaminess and depth.
• 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for lift, or swap for lemon juice.
• 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for authentic flavor.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetness that harmonizes perfectly; coconut sugar adds a nice twist if you like.
• 1/3 cup Olive Oil: Adds moistness; neutral oils like canola or sunflower are also great options.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth; vanilla paste delivers an even richer flavor.
• 1 cup Sweetened Condensed Oat Milk: The core of the tres leches soak, giving the cake its signature creamy soak.
• 1 cup Evaporated Oat Milk: Helps make the soak rich without overpowering the pumpkin notes.
• 1 cup Coconut Whipping Cream: Light and fluffy topping that adds a luscious finishing touch; any plant-based whipped cream works well.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F if using a fan-forced oven, or 180°C/356°F for conventional). Lightly grease a 10.5 x 7.5-inch baking dish with a little oil — this ensures the cake won’t stick and comes out with a nice crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, setting the stage for a fluffy, well-flavored cake base.

Step 3: Create the Vegan Buttermilk and Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the unsweetened oat milk with apple cider vinegar to form a vegan buttermilk substitute. Allow this to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly — this reaction is what helps make the cake tender. Next, whisk in canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, olive oil, and vanilla extract, blending everything into a smooth, inviting batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture in two additions. Stir carefully to combine just until no flour pockets remain — overmixing can toughen the cake, so be gentle and patient here.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and pop it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This tender cake forms the perfect base for soaking up the delicious tres leches mixture.

Step 6: Poke Holes and Prepare the Soaking Mixture

Once out of the oven but while still warm, use a skewer to poke holes all over the surface. These little pathways allow the milk soak to seep deeply, ensuring every bite is luxuriously moist. Next, whisk together the sweetened condensed oat milk, evaporated oat milk, an additional splash of oat milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to create the luscious soaking mixture.

Step 7: Soak the Cake and Chill

Pour the soaking mixture evenly over the warm cake, letting it sink into every hole. Then, refrigerate the dessert overnight. This slow soak time lets the cake absorb all that dreamy flavor and moisture, making for an unforgettable Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches experience.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

When you’re ready to serve, spread a generous layer of whipped coconut cream atop the cake and dust lightly with cinnamon for that final burst of warmth and beauty. This topping adds a fluffy contrast to the moist, spiced layers beneath.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches

Garnishes

While the classic coconut whipped cream and cinnamon dusting are stunning, you can also sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a few fresh pomegranate arils for a pop of color and texture. These additions brighten the flavors and add a delightful crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Side Dishes

This Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches pairs beautifully with a simple cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte, balancing the cake’s sweetness perfectly. For a more festive occasion, a scoop of vegan vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh fruit salad with citrus notes can complement the warm, cozy flavors effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the tres leches in individual glass jars or clear cups so guests can admire the beautiful soaked layers. You could also make miniature versions in cupcake tins for party-friendly portions. Layer it with extra pumpkin puree or coconut cream between slices to elevate presentation and indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches, store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. The cake’s moisture content keeps it soft and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy again without losing any of its incredible texture or flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this dessert well in advance, you can freeze the baked cake layer before soaking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container for up to a month. Once thawed, soak and chill it as described in the recipe for the freshest taste.

Reheating

This is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, gently reheat single slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it can change the texture of the soaked cake. Serving it cool is truly the best way to savor its creamy, spiced goodness.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have oat milk?

You can substitute oat milk with any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk. For the best creaminess and flavor in the soak, use a combination of sweetened condensed and evaporated plant milks to mimic the traditional tres leches effect.

Is the pumpkin puree necessary?

Yes, the pumpkin puree is key for both moisture and that comforting fall flavor. It also lends a lovely color to the cake and the soak, making the Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches truly stand out.

Can I make this without the apple cider vinegar?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and stay tender. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, lemon juice works as an excellent alternative and won’t change the flavor noticeably.

How long does it need to soak?

For the best results, refrigerate the cake with the milk soak overnight. This allows the cake to absorb all the liquids fully, resulting in the classic moist, creamy texture that defines a perfect Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making this Vegan Pumpkin Tres Leches enough. It’s that wonderful crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare, packed with cozy fall flavors and creamy goodness that will wow anyone you share it with. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something extra sweet and comforting, this recipe is an absolute winner. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to fall in love!

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