Dubai-Style Chocolate Tres Leches is a luxurious take on the classic Latin American dessert, infused with Middle Eastern flavors. This ultra-moist vanilla sponge cake is soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, topped with velvety whipped cream, drizzled with dark chocolate, and garnished with crushed pistachios and fresh strawberries. The combination of creamy textures and nutty flavors makes this dessert a showstopper for any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra-Moist & Decadent – The tres leches soak ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Middle Eastern Twist – Pistachios and chocolate elevate the classic version.
Perfect for Entertaining – A visually stunning and indulgent dessert.
Easy to Make Ahead – Chilling enhances the flavor, making it ideal for meal prep.
Balanced Sweetness – The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the creamy sweetness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
4 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup whole milk

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

½ cup evaporated milk
½ cup condensed milk
½ cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup melted dark chocolate
¼ cup crushed pistachios
2 fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions

Prepare the Cake – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Make the Batter – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until pale. Stir in vanilla and milk. In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar. Gently fold egg whites into the yolk mixture, then fold in the dry ingredients.
Bake the Cake – Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Soak with Tres Leches – Poke holes in the cake using a fork and slowly pour the three-milk mixture over it. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow full absorption.
Whip the Cream – Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the soaked cake.
Garnish & Serve – Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed pistachios, and top with fresh strawberry slices. Chill before serving for the best flavor.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving

Variations

Nutty Flavor Boost – Add a drizzle of tahini for an extra Middle Eastern touch.
Coffee Infusion – Mix a shot of espresso into the tres leches soak for added depth.
Caramel Drizzle – Swap chocolate for a rich date syrup or caramel sauce.
White Chocolate Version – Use melted white chocolate for a creamier topping.
Dairy-Free Alternative – Substitute coconut milk for condensed milk and almond milk for evaporated milk.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cake (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding whipped cream and garnishes.
Serving Tip: Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, it tastes even better after chilling overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

What type of chocolate works best for drizzling?

High-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) melts beautifully and balances the sweetness.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, almonds or hazelnuts make great substitutes for pistachios.

What can I serve with this cake?

Pair with Arabic coffee, chai, or a scoop of vanilla gelato.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, substitute eggs with a flaxseed or yogurt-based egg replacement.

Why does the cake need to chill for so long?

Chilling allows the three-milk mixture to fully absorb, enhancing the texture and flavor.

Can I use a different cake base?

Yes, sponge cake or chiffon cake can be used for a lighter texture.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy?

Ensure you poke small holes evenly and pour the milk mixture slowly to allow gradual absorption.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but dark chocolate provides a more balanced contrast to the sweetness.

Conclusion

Dubai-Style Chocolate Tres Leches is an indulgent, Middle Eastern-inspired twist on a beloved classic. With its ultra-moist texture, rich chocolate drizzle, and nutty pistachio garnish, this dessert is perfect for any special occasion. Serve it chilled, and enjoy a luxurious fusion of flavors in every bite!

Dubai-Style Chocolate Tres Leches

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

A luxurious twist on the classic tres leches cake, infused with Middle Eastern flavors. This ultra-moist vanilla sponge is soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, topped with velvety whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate, and garnished with crushed pistachios and fresh strawberries for an elegant finish.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until pale. Stir in vanilla and milk. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, then carefully fold in the dry ingredients.
Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Soak with Tres Leches: Poke holes all over the cake using a fork, then slowly pour the three-milk mixture over it. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow full absorption.
Whip the Cream: Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the soaked cake.
Garnish & Serve: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed pistachios, and top with fresh strawberry slices. Chill before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

For an extra rich version, replace some of the heavy cream with rose or saffron-infused cream.
If you love a crunch, add toasted almond slivers with the pistachios.

Letting the cake chill overnight enhances the flavors even more!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
chill time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking & Chilling
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired / Fusion