A Moist, Spiced Twist on a Latin American Classic
This Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches Cake brings together the rich tradition of pastel de tres leches with the warm, earthy sweetness of mashed sweet potato and a hint of rum. The result? A cake that’s ultra-moist , deeply flavorful, and perfect for fall or holiday baking.
A unique twist on a beloved dessert—your new go-to for family gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥔 Sweet Potato Perfection: Adds natural moisture and a subtle, earthy sweetness.
- 🥛 Tres Leches Magic: The three-milk soak makes every bite silky, tender, and unforgettable.
- 🍷 Rum Infusion: Gives depth and warmth—without overpowering the flavor.
- ⏱️ Easy Cake Base: Mix, pour, bake, soak, and top—it’s simple but spectacular.
- 🎉 Great for Special Occasions: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you want something extra special.
Ingredients (Serves 12–16):
For the Sweet Potato Cake:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium cooked spud)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for plant-based version)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (any kind – dairy or plant-based)
For the Milk Soak:
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ¼ cup dark rum (optional: omit for non-alcoholic version)
To Finish:
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
- Optional: Candied pecans or toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
Set aside while preparing the batter.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Batter
In one bowl, whisk:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
In another bowl, beat:
- Sugar
- Oil
until light and slightly fluffy.
Add:
- Eggs , one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Vanilla extract
- Mashed sweet potatoes
Mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with:
- Milk
to keep the texture smooth and moist.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes before poking holes all over the surface with a fork.
Step 4: Prepare the Rum Tres Leches Soak
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Evaporated milk
- Dark rum (for a spiced finish – optional for kids’ version)
Pour slowly over the warm cake, letting it sink into every layer.
Let the cake cool completely—this can take about 1 hour at room temperature or chill in the fridge for faster results.
Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream & Cinnamon
Once cooled, spread a thick layer of whipped cream or Cool Whip over the top.
Sprinkle with ground cinnamon for that final touch of warmth.
Optional: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Step 6: Chill & Serve Cold
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving—this allows the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture and firm up just enough to slice cleanly.
Cut into squares and enjoy chilled.
Each bite brings together:
- The soft, spiced sweet potato cake
- The rich, milky soak
- And that airy, creamy topping with cinnamon crunch
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Use Room-Temp Eggs & Milk: Ensures smoother mixing and even soaking.
- 🧁 Don’t Overmix the Batter: Keep it light—mix until just combined.
- 🍯 Natural Sweetness Swap: Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a lighter version.
- 🌱 Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond or oat versions—just watch consistency.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Tastes best when chilled overnight—great for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions:
- Ideal at holiday parties, weekend brunches, or cozy evenings.
- Perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of spiced rum milk.
- Great as a make-ahead dessert for potlucks or family dinners.
Nutritional Information (per square, makes 12 servings – approximate):
(Without toppings – based on regular ingredients)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~16g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~20g
This Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches Cake proves that tres leches doesn’t have to be plain white sponge to steal the show. With its sweet potato richness, triple milk soak, and warming spice—it’s a dessert that deserves a spot on your holiday table.
