Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional tres leches dessert, combining the nostalgic flavors of cookies and cream with the irresistible moisture of a milk-soaked cake. If you’re in search of an impressive dessert that embodies both elegance and comfort, this cake is sure to become a favorite at gatherings, parties, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
You might be wondering—why not stick to the classic tres leches? The charm of this recipe lies in its clever layering of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet cream and crunchy Oreo chunks creates a unique experience that can captivate anyone with a sweet tooth. With each bite, you’ll savor the rich, creamy layers that showcase not only the moist cake but also the unmistakable taste of Oreos.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake isn’t just delicious; it’s remarkably versatile and visually stunning. Imagine serving it at a birthday party or holiday gathering, where it’s sure to be the centerpiece, drawing everyone in with its inviting look. The combination of textures—creamy, sponge-like cake paired with the satisfying crunch of Oreos—makes it a standout.
“A dessert that combines childhood nostalgia with the sophistication of a classic vanilla cake. This is a showstopper that’s worth every calorie!”— Sarah T.
With its crowd-pleasing flavor and captivating appearance, this cake is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a treat for yourself after a long week. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to shine in the kitchen.
How to Make Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake
This recipe is broken down into clear steps to make the cooking process easy to follow and less daunting. Here’s what you can expect from the baking journey:
- Prepare your baking pan and ingredients.
- Make a fluffy sponge cake base using the egg yolk and whites.
- Create the tres leches mixture infused with crushed Oreos.
- Allow the cake to absorb the milks overnight.
- Whip up airy cream and decorate before serving.
With these straightforward steps, you’ll create a luscious and moist cake that can impress anyone.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your ingredient list for Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated (room temperature is crucial)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 15 Oreo cookies, crushed (not pulverized; you want chunks)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (to mix into the milk)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding mix (to stabilize the whipped cream)
- 15-20 Oreo cookies, crushed (for topping)
- Whole Oreos for garnish
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)
- Mini chocolate chips (for extra texture, optional)
- Coffee or espresso powder (1 tablespoon in the tres leches mixture enhances chocolate flavor)
- Chocolate shavings or white chocolate drizzle
- Extra sweetened condensed milk for drizzling
- 9×13 inch baking pan with high sides
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
- Two mixing bowls
- Fork or skewer for poking holes
- Offset spatula for spreading whipped cream
- Plastic wrap for covering
Follow these notes on ingredients to ensure your cake comes out perfectly every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process for Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake. Keep your mind on the fun—while baking may seem tough, this cake promises a scrumptious reward.
Step 1: The Cake Pan Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease your 9×13 pan with butter or spray. Dust it lightly with flour and tap out the excess to prevent sticking. As an extra precaution, consider lining the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: The Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is the easy part. Don’t skip sifting—compact lumps are the enemy of a fluffy sponge cake!
Step 3: The Egg Yolk Situation
Carefully separate your eggs—any yolk in the whites will ruin your fluffy texture. Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar in a large bowl on high speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla, mixing until combined.
Step 4: The Dry Meets Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture on low speed. Beat just until combined; overmixing results in a tough cake. The batter should be thick and that’s just fine.
Step 5: The Egg White Magic
In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar while beating, then increase speed to high until stiff peaks form. This will take 3-5 minutes. Stiff peaks are crucial for proper cake rise.
Step 6: The Folding Process
Gently fold in about 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the batter. Then add the remaining egg whites, folding gently until just combined. A few white streaks are okay. Finally, fold in the crushed Oreos.
Step 7: The Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and springs back when lightly touched. A toothpick should come out clean.
Step 8: The Cooling
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. It will deflate slightly—this is normal. Poke holes all over with a fork; don’t be hesitant. The more holes, the more milk it will absorb.
Step 9: The Tres Leches Mixture
While cooling, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and vanilla in a large bowl, adding finely crushed Oreos. Mix until well combined.
Step 10: The Soaking Process
Pour the tres leches mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it reaches all edges. It may seem like too much liquid, but this is necessary for absorbing. Pour slowly, allowing the cake to soak it up.
Step 11: The Overnight Situation
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This is essential for maximum absorption and flavor melding.
Step 12: The Whipped Cream Topping
When ready to serve, whip cold heavy cream in a cold bowl until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla (and pudding mix if desired). Beat until stiff peaks form but avoid overbeating.
Step 13: The Final Assembly
Spread whipped cream generously over the cake. Sprinkle with crushed Oreos, using them liberally. Top with whole Oreos and drizzle with optional chocolate syrup if you wish.
Step 14: The Serving
Cut into squares for serving. It will be moist, almost pudding-like at the bottom, more cake-like up top. Enjoy every bite!
Step 15: The Eating
Take a bite to experience the deliciously moist cake soaked in milk with the delightful crunch of Oreos. It’s a beautifully creamy dessert that will evoke your best dessert memories.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake
Enjoy this sumptuous cake by itself, or consider pairing it with fresh berries for an extra taste of summer. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also complement the cake, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. For a chic presentation, drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup over the cream or top with chocolate shavings.
How to Store Your Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can last up to 3-4 days, maintaining its moistness thanks to the tres leches soak. For long-term storage, you can freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature; they whip up better this way.
- Use a clean bowl for egg whites to achieve the best volume and stability.
- For the best texture, avoid overbeating the cream during the final topping.
- If you really want to amplify the Oreo flavor, throw a few crushed Oreos right into the tres leches mixture!
Variations of the Recipe
Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Try swapping Oreos for different cookies, like chocolate chip or peanut butter, for a unique twist. You could also add layers of fruit, such as sliced strawberries or bananas, between the cake and whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider adding seasonal spices, like pumpkin spice or peppermint extract around the holidays.
FAQs
-
How long does it take to prepare Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake?
Preparation can take approximately 30-40 minutes, but the soaking process is crucial and requires chilling time (preferably overnight). -
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You could replace heavy cream with whipped topping for a lower-fat option, but the texture and flavor will make a noticeable difference. -
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. However, keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
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