Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake

Decadent dessert alert! This Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic three milk-soaked cake for cookie butter lovers! The result? A rich and creamy dessert that’s decadently moist, subtly spiced, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this cake will certainly impress your guests with its unique flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: This cake combines the rich taste of cookie butter with the classic tres leches experience, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up without any hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy dinner at home, this dessert fits right in.
• Moist and Creamy Texture: Soaked in three types of milk, each slice delivers an indulgent creaminess that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with toppings like fresh fruit or additional cookie crumbs for added flair.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help you achieve the best results while preparing this delicious dessert.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×13)
• Wooden skewer or fork
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Provides the perfect mixing power needed to whip egg whites to stiff peaks for a light texture.
• Baking dish: Ensures even baking and allows for ample space for soaking up the tres leches mix.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing the milk mixture and dry ingredients.

Ingredients

Decadent dessert alert! This Cookie Butter Tres Leches cake is a delightful twist on the classic three milk-soaked cake for cookie butter lovers! The result? A rich and creamy dessert that’s decadently moist, subtly spiced, and absolutely irresistible.

For the Cake

• 1½ cups (210g) cake flour
• ½ cup (65g) Biscoff cookies, finely ground
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ⅔ cup (133g) sugar
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture

• ¾ tsp cream of tartar
• 1½ cup (355ml) heavy cream or whole milk, divided
• (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• (12oz) can evaporated milk
• ½ cup creamy cookie butter, microwaved for 20-30 seconds until warm

For Topping

• 1½ cups (355ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup crushed Biscoff cookies, for garnish

How to Make Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat an oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack set in the center. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick baking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. 1½ cups (210g) cake flour
2. ½ cup (65g) ground Biscoff cookies
3. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
4. 1 tsp baking powder
5. ½ tsp kosher salt

Set aside once mixed.

Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients

Place:
1. ⅔ cup (133g) sugar
2. 6 egg yolks

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Beat on medium to medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. Add:
1. 2 tsp vanilla extract
2. ½ cup (118ml) heavy cream

Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Carefully add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold until combined. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl and clean out your stand mixer bowl.

Step 5: Whip Egg Whites

Place:
1. 6 large egg whites

In the stand mixer bowl with:
1. ¾ tsp cream of tartar

Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form—this should take about 3 minutes.

Step 6: Fold Egg Whites into Wet Ingredients

In three batches, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish. Use an offset spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean from the center.

Step 8: Mix Three Milks

While your cake is baking, combine:
1. 1 cup (237ml) heavy cream
2. (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
3. (12oz) can evaporated milk

Whisk these together thoroughly in a bowl before adding:
1. ½ cup warmed cookie butter

Whisk again until well combined.

Step 9: Drench the Cake in Tres Leches

As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, use a wooden skewer or fork to poke holes all over its top surface. Pour your milk mixture evenly over it while still warm and allow cooling at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 10: Chill Overnight

Cover your cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or up to overnight so it can soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 11: Garnish Then Serve

When ready to serve, combine:
1. 1½ cups (355ml) heavy cream
2. 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
3. ½ tsp ground cinnamon

In your stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment and whip until medium or stiff peaks form based on preference. Spread this whipped cream evenly atop your chilled cake before garnishing with crushed Biscoff cookies.

Enjoy every decadent bite!

How to Serve Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake

Serving your Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make this dessert even more enjoyable.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Top the cake with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
• Banana Slices: Add slices of ripe bananas for a creamy texture that complements the cake’s richness.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce can enhance the sweetness and add a luxurious touch.
• Chocolate Syrup: For chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate syrup adds depth and indulgence to each slice.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Top individual servings with freshly whipped cream for lightness that balances the dense cake.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Enhance whipped cream with vanilla or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

Garnish Creatively

• Crushed Biscoff Cookies: Sprinkle crushed cookies on top for added crunch and a nod to the cake’s ingredients.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon adds warmth and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake

Creating the perfect Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently fold ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Poke Holes Evenly: Use a skewer to poke holes all over the cake evenly, ensuring that the tres leches mixture absorbs thoroughly.
• Cool Properly Before Refrigerating: Let the cake cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its structure and moisture levels.
• Chill Overnight for Best Flavor: Allowing the cake to chill overnight enhances the flavors as they meld beautifully together.

Best Side Dishes for Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that contrasts nicely with the cake’s richness.
2. Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream serves as a creamy complement that pairs well with sweet flavors.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon sugar provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft cake.
4. Churros: These sweet fried pastries offer an extra dose of indulgence, especially when dipped in chocolate or caramel sauce.
5. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of strong coffee or espresso balances sweetness while enhancing flavors; serve it hot or iced.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Provide strawberries or marshmallows for dipping into rich chocolate fondue, creating an interactive dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Boldly measuring ingredients: Not measuring accurately can lead to an unbalanced cake. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring the egg whites: Overmixing or undermixing the egg whites can affect the cake’s fluffiness. Fold them in gently until just combined.
• Skipping the soaking step: Failing to soak the cake properly in the milk mixture results in a dry dessert. Make sure to pour it evenly and allow ample time for absorption.
• Using warm cream: Adding hot cream to the milk mixture can curdle it. Let all components cool before combining them for a smooth blend.
• Not chilling enough: Serving too soon can result in a less flavorful cake. Refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep any leftover whipped cream separate to maintain its texture.

Freezing Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake

• Freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covered, until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake.

How do I make Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake from scratch?

To make this cake from scratch, follow the provided recipe closely, ensuring accurate measurements and methods for best results.

Can I use different types of milk?

Yes! You can substitute different milks based on your preference; however, keep the sweetened condensed and evaporated milk for authentic flavor.

What is the best way to serve Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake?

Serve chilled with whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of crushed Biscoff cookies for added texture and flavor.

Can I customize the flavors of my Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake?

Absolutely! Experiment with adding spices like nutmeg or using flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut to enhance your cake.

How long does Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake last?

When stored properly in the fridge, it lasts up to 4 days. For extended storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake is rich, creamy, and perfect for any occasion. Its unique twist on a classic dessert makes it adaptable—feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings. Try this recipe today and indulge in a delightful treat!