Triple chocolate tres leches cake is a rich and decadent chocolate sponge cake soaked in a sweet and chocolatey three milk mixture. This chocolate version of the classic Mexican dessert is the ultimate cake to serve for any occasion!
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9"x13" baking pan and set aside.
Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
Pour the dry ingredients into the large bowl and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix because that will develop gluten and make a dense cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes while you make the milk mixture.
Tres Leches Mixture
Whisk sweetened condensed milk, chocolate milk, and heavy whipping cream in a medium bowl.
Use a knife to gently unstick the sides of the cake to the pan. Than poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Do not poke holes too deep. We want the milk mixture to soak into the cake, not pool to the bottom.
Cover cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. The cake will cool and fully absorb the milk mixture during this time.
Whipped Topping
In a large bowl add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on high until soft to stiff peaks form. You want the mixture to be spreadable.
Spread the whipped topping over the cooled cake and decorate with chocolate shavings. Serve cold. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
When poking holes in the cake, don't poke all the way to the bottom or else the milk mixture will pool in the bottom of your cake.
Want to spice this cake up!?! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate flavour.
Want to make this ahead of time? Make the cake and pour the milk mixture over the cake. Cover and store in the refrigerator overnight.
Store this cake in the refrigerator. It needs to be served cold.