Lakanto Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is one of the most popular desserts in Latin America. This version is low-carb and sugar-free but still takes on the traditional flavor and texture!

It begins with a light and airy, vanilla sponge cake with oozing pockets of creamy milks. Sweetening fresh cream with Lakanto Powdered Monkfruit Sweetener can make a whipped cream that is perfectly sweet and will hold its shape for days.

This sugar-free tres leches cake recipe offers a guilt-free twist on a classic dessert, perfect for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By using Lakanto's monk fruit sweetener, you can enjoy the same moist texture and decadent flavors without the added sugar. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and discover how simple it is to create a delicious, sugar-free masterpiece that everyone will love!

Ingredients You will Need

To create a delicious sugar-free tres leches cake, you'll need a few key ingredients that not only enhance the flavor but also maintain a healthier profile. Start with Lakanto’s  Monk Fruit Baking Sweetener, which is a perfect substitute for traditional sugar. This sweetener captures the sweetness without the calories and glycemic impact of sugar, making it an ideal choice for this recipe.

For the cake base, you can use almond flour or coconut flour, both of which are gluten-free options that add moisture and richness to the cake. If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, consider using oat flour instead (if not following a keto diet), ensuring it’s certified gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity. 

When it comes to the milk mixture, traditional recipes use sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. For a sugar-free twist, opt for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and combine them with Lakanto’s Sugar-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk alternative. This not only keeps the recipe sugar-free but also accommodates those who are lactose intolerant or dairy-free.

Using sugar-free ingredients provides numerous nutritional benefits. They can help in managing blood sugar levels, support weight management, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases linked to high sugar consumption. By choosing Lakanto products and other wholesome alternatives, you’re not just making a tasty dessert but also a healthier one that everyone can enjoy.

Cake Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Baking Sweetener
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled (can sub another oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Tres Leches Mixture

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut cream
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1 tsp Liquid Monkfruit Extract Vanilla

Whipped Cream Ingredients

• 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 3 heaping Tbsp Lakanto Powdered Monkfruit Sweetener
• 3-4 drops Liquid Monkfruit Extract Vanilla

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line the bottom of a 6-8” inch cake pan with parchment paper, then coat with your favorite baking spray.
3. Whisk the coconut flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Baking Sweetener together in a bowl. Set aside.
4. Place the egg whites into a stand mixer with the remaining Lakanto Monkfruit Baking Sweetener and blend until stiff peaks form.
5. In another bowl whisk the egg yolks, butter and vanilla extract. Fold into the coconut flour mixture.
6. Gently fold in the stiffened egg whites in small batches into the coconut flour batter. Careful not to over mix!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 22-25 minutes. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes. You can remove the cake from the pan to a serving plate, or serve right from the cake pan.
8. After cooled, take a skewer or sharp pointed knife and make holes all over in the cake.
9. In a bowl whisk together the coconut milk, half & half, heavy cream.
10. Pour this over the cake into all the holes. Allow to stand for 30 minutes
11. While the cake is resting You'll need to prep the finishing touches: whipping cream and sliced, fresh strawberries!

Whipping Cream Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, combine the heavy whipping cream, Lakanto Monkfruit Powdered Sweetener and Lakanto Vanilla Liquid MonkFruit Extract.
2. Whip the mixture on medium-low until it starts to thicken.
3. Continue mixing on medium-high until stiff peaks form.

Finishing the Cake

1. Pipe the whipped cream on your Tres Leches Cake.
2. Slice strawberries and place on top with a sprinkling of cinnamon.
3. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enhancing your sugar-free tres leches cake can elevate it to a delightful experience for your guests. To add a touch of elegance, consider garnishing your cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Not only does this create a creamy contrast, but it also adds a rich texture that complements the moist cake beautifully. For a burst of color and freshness, scatter some fresh berries on top—strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work particularly well. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the cake's creamy layers.

When it comes to pairing your sugar-free tres leches cake, think about serving it alongside a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of almond milk. The nutty undertones of almond milk can enhance the flavors of the cake, while coffee provides a rich, robust contrast. For a more festive touch, you could even serve it with a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream, which adds a delightful creaminess that complements the cake’s texture.

To keep your sugar-free tres leches cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only helps maintain its moisture but also ensures it remains delicious for up to five days. If you plan on keeping it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight for a quick, delightful treat.

Nutrition Information

When it comes to enjoying a delicious slice of tres leches cake, understanding the nutritional profile can help you make healthier choices. Each serving of our sugar-free tres leches cake is typically around 200 calories, significantly lower than its traditional counterpart, which can range from 300 to 400 calories per slice. This reduction in calories is largely due to the use of Lakanto's Monkfruit Sweetener, which provides the sweetness without the added sugar.

In comparison, traditional tres leches cake is often laden with refined sugars and carbohydrates, contributing to its higher calorie count and potential blood sugar spikes. By opting for our sugar-free recipe, you not only enjoy a delightful dessert but also avoid the negative impacts associated with high sugar intake.

Moreover, this sugar-free and low-carb dessert comes with numerous health benefits. With lower sugar levels, you can enjoy your cake without the guilt, making it an excellent option for those managing diabetes or looking to reduce their sugar consumption. Additionally, the reduced carbohydrate content helps in maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day, rather than experiencing the typical sugar rush and crash. Indulge in this guilt-free dessert and relish every bite, knowing it aligns with your health goals.