Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake

Name: Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups cake flour; ½ cup ground Biscoff cookies; 6 large eggs (separated); 1½ cups heavy cream (divided); 1 can sweetened condensed milk; 1 can evaporated milk; ½ cup creamy cookie butter; Toppings: heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar, crushed Biscoff cookies

Published: November 20, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cookie butter and tres leches creates a deliciously rich taste that’s hard to resist.
Moist and Creamy: Soaking the cake in three types of milk ensures a moist texture that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can create this impressive dessert without hassle.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual family dinner, this cake adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Versatile Toppings: Customize your presentation with various toppings like whipped cream or extra crushed cookies.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Baking dish (9×13)
Wooden skewer or fork

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Essential for achieving fluffy egg whites and creamy mixtures quickly.
Mixing bowls: Different sizes help keep ingredients organized during preparation.
Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and ensuring even mixing throughout.
Baking dish: A sturdy 9×13 pan guarantees even baking for this delicious cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

1½ cups (210g) cake flour
½ cup (65g) Biscoff cookies, (finely ground)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp kosher salt
⅔ cup (133g) sugar
6 large eggs, (separated)
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture

1½ cups (355ml) heavy cream or whole milk, (divided)
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12oz) can evaporated milk
½ cup creamy cookie butter, (microwaved for 20-30 seconds until warm)

For Topping

1½ cups (355ml) heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅓ cup crushed Biscoff cookies, (for garnish)

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat an oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack set in the center. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick baking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. 1½ cups (210g) cake flour,
2. ½ cup (65g) ground Biscoff cookies,
3. 1 tsp ground cinnamon,
4. 1 tsp baking powder,
5. ½ tsp kosher salt.

Set aside once mixed well.

Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Place ⅔ cup (133g) sugar and 6 egg yolks.
2. Beat on medium to medium-high speed for about 5 minutes.
3. Add 2 tsp vanilla extract and ½ cup (118ml) heavy cream.
4. Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Carefully add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently fold to combine. Transfer this batter into a large mixing bowl and clean out the stand mixer bowl.

Step 5: Whip Egg Whites

In the stand mixer bowl:
1. Add 6 large egg whites along with ¾ tsp cream of tartar.
2. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 6: Fold Egg Whites into Wet Ingredients

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in three batches until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer with an offset spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 8: Mix Three Milks

While baking:
1. Combine in a bowl:
– 1 cup (237ml) heavy cream,
– 1 can sweetened condensed milk,
– 1 can evaporated milk.
2. Whisk well before adding in:
– ½ cup warmed cookie butter,
– Whisk again until fully blended.

Step 9: Drench the Cake in Tres Leches

Immediately after taking out of the oven:
1. Use a wooden skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of your cake.
2. Pour your milk mixture evenly over it while still warm.
3. Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 10: Chill Overnight

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to soak up all those delicious flavors!

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

When ready to serve:
1. In a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine:
– 1½ cups (355ml) heavy cream,
– 2 Tbsp powdered sugar,
– ½ tsp ground cinnamon.
2. Whip until medium or stiff peaks form as desired.
3. Spread this whipped mixture evenly on top of your chilled cake before garnishing with crushed Biscoff cookies. Enjoy!

Serving your Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake can elevate this already indulgent dessert experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests and enhance the flavors.

Individual Portions

Serve in small, individual dessert cups for a fun twist. These mini servings allow everyone to enjoy their own portion without the need for slicing the cake.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

Add slices of fresh strawberries or bananas on top to introduce a refreshing contrast to the rich cake. This will also add a pop of color to your presentation.

With Whipped Cream

A generous dollop of whipped cream on each slice can take your dessert to the next level. It adds lightness and balances the cake’s density beautifully.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for an extra layer of sweetness. This luxurious addition complements the cookie butter flavor perfectly.

Paired with Ice Cream

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold creaminess pairs wonderfully with the moist cake, creating a delightful temperature contrast.

Garnished with Nuts

Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor depth. This nutty element enhances the overall texture of each bite.

Perfecting your Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and creams to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cake.
Don’t rush the baking process: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting in the cake, and avoid opening the door too often while it bakes. Consistent heat is crucial for even cooking.
Poke holes evenly: When drenching the cake in tres leches, use a skewer or fork to make holes evenly across the surface. This ensures that every bite absorbs enough of the milk mixture.
Chill sufficiently: Letting the cake chill overnight allows it to soak up all the milks fully, making it richer and more flavorful when you serve it.
Whip cream to desired consistency: Depending on whether you prefer soft or stiff peaks, adjust your whipping time accordingly. This customization allows you to control how your topping complements the cake.

To round out your dessert experience, consider pairing your Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake with these complementary side dishes. Each option enhances different aspects of this delightful treat.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing palate cleanser after indulging in rich cake.
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These sweet chips add a crunchy contrast and are perfect for dipping into any leftover tres leches sauce.
Chocolate Mousse: A light chocolate mousse can balance out the sweetness of the cake while adding a luxurious touch.
Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries offers a creamy yet tart side that pairs well with sweet desserts.
Chilled Citrus Sorbet: The zesty flavors of sorbet cut through richness and refreshes the palate effectively between bites of cake.
Espresso or Coffee: Serving coffee alongside dessert can enhance flavors and provide a nice pick-me-up after enjoying sweet treats.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offers a wonderful texture contrast and pairs nicely with coffee or tea served at dessert time.
Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can surprisingly complement sweet desserts by adding crunch and freshness that balances flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor of this delicious dessert.

Missing the right flour: Using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour can lead to a denser cake. Stick with cake flour for a lighter texture.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding the dry ingredients can cause the cake to be tough. Gently fold until just combined.
Not poking enough holes: If you don’t poke enough holes in the cake, it won’t absorb the milk mixture fully. Make sure to cover the surface thoroughly.
Skipping refrigeration time: Allowing the cake to chill overnight helps flavors meld and improves texture. Don’t rush; give it time in the fridge.
Ignoring garnish: Skipping the crushed Biscoff cookies on top removes a layer of flavor and presentation. Always add that final touch before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake in an airtight container.
It will keep well for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

You can freeze slices of the cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
The cake will stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.
Microwave: Heat a slice for about 30 seconds on medium power; check for warmth as microwaves vary.
Stovetop: Place a slice on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake.

Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake is a moist dessert made by soaking a light sponge cake in three types of milk, enhanced with cookie butter flavors.

The total time is approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes, which includes chilling time after baking.

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavored cookie butters like chocolate or speculoos for varied tastes.

Fresh fruit like berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with this rich dessert.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready!

Final Thoughts

This Cookie Butter Tres Leches Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different flavors or toppings according to your preferences. It’s perfect for any occasion, so give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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