Vegan Pistachio Tres Leches (3 Milk Cake)
Vegan Pistachio Tres Leches (3 Milk Cake) is a moist, fluffy, and dairy-free twist on the classic Latin American dessert. Infused with rich pistachio flavor and soaked in a luscious blend of three plant-based milks including coconut cream, this cake delivers indulgent creaminess and a nutty essence, perfect for vegan diets or anyone seeking a fresh, guilt-free treat.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegan
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup ground pistachios
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or a blend)
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or agave syrup
Tres Leches Soak
- 1 cup full-fat coconut cream
- 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or mixed with coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup
For Garnishing
- Whipped coconut cream
- Chopped pistachios
- Fresh fruit (optional, such as berries or mango slices)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking pan and set aside the ground pistachios for use in both the batter and topping.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground pistachios, and salt until fully combined to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
- Blend the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated to create a moist base.
- Combine and Pour: Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing that can make the cake tough. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when pressed gently.
- Prepare the Tres Leches Soak: While the cake bakes, blend together coconut cream, plant-based milk, and maple syrup until smooth. This mixture will soak the cake and provide its signature creamy texture.
- Soak and Chill: Once the cake has cooled slightly, poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the tres leches milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal moisture and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top the cake with whipped coconut cream, chopped pistachios, and optional fresh fruit for an elegant presentation and added flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and better rise.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Allow the milk soak to absorb fully by chilling the cake overnight.
- Lightly toast pistachios to enhance their nutty aroma and crunch.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to pierce holes evenly, ensuring thorough milk absorption.
- For a nut-free version, substitute pistachios with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely.
- Chocolate lovers can add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate pistachio variation.
- Use sugar alternatives like monk fruit sweetener for a low sugar version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of the cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan tres leches, pistachio cake, dairy-free dessert, plant-based cake, vegan pistachio tres leches, nutty cake, moist vegan cake