Pumpkin Pastel de Tres Leches

Pumpkin Pastel de Tres Leches is a MUST TRY!

It’s traditional Pastel de Tres Leches but taken up a notch. 

Perfect for the fall and winter months. 

I know you and your family will love this new Mexican Fall dessert.

Ingredients

We are taking a short cut and using a yellow cake mix. 

With all of our end-of-the-year activities, who has time to bake a cake from scratch?

Take another shortcut and use commercially-made whipped cream. 

No need to bake a pumpkin. Instead, use canned pumpkin puree.

Step-By-Step Instructions

• Pour the yellow cake mix into a large bowl. 
• Add the sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, and cloves. 
• Mix to combine.

Pumpkin is more popular in the US, but in Mexico you’ll find it made into candy or as Pumpkin Empanadas. 

Another yummy twist on classic Mexican desserts, try Pumpkin Arroz con Leche or Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting.  

• Bak 38 to 42 minutes.
• Insert a toothpick to make sure the cake is fully cooked. 
• Cool completely. 

One commonly asked question: “Why did my tres leches cake shrink?”

If you grease the baking dish, the cake will pull away from the pan. This will cause it to shrink while cooling. 

While your cake is cooling, make the milk mixtures. 

Doing this ahead of the baking? Be sure to keep in the fridge. 

The milk will go bad if left outside for a long time. 

• Poke holes all over the cake. 
• Pour the milk all over the cake. 

A good swap out option for heavy whipping cream is half and half or whole milk.

Pro Tip:

Let the cake ABSORB the liquid. Then pour the rest of the milk. 

Place inside of the refrigerator while making the whipped cream. 

• Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. 
• Add whipped cream to the top of the cake. 

We’re making homemade whipped cream in this instance, but you can also use store-bought whipped cream to save time. 

How long does it last?

Store the cake tightly covered in the fridge. It’s good for up to 5 days. 

What to Serve with It

Champurrado

Cafe de Olla

Ponche Navideno

Atole de Chocolate

Pumpkin Pastel de Tres Leches is a tasty twist on a classic Mexican dessert. 

Cake soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with whipped cream. It’s the ultimate taste of Fall! 

Hungry for More?

Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!