What makes a Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake different from a regular chocolate cake?

A Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake is soaked in a creamy milk mixture, similar to a tres leches cake chocolate recipe, which gives it a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The use of Mexican chocolate adds warm, spiced notes that turn it into an authentic Mexican chocolate milk cake rather than a standard chocolate Mexican cake.

Can this be made as an authentic chocolate tres leches cake?

Yes, this recipe follows the same soaking method used in an authentic chocolate tres leches cake. The combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream, and chocolate creates the rich structure found in the best chocolate tres leches cake recipes.

Is this an easy Mexican chocolate milk cake for beginners?

Absolutely. This Mexican chocolate milk cake recipe easy enough for beginners uses simple steps and basic ingredients while still delivering the rich and delish texture of a chocolate tres leches cake with chocolate ganache.

Can I add chocolate ganache on top?

Yes, adding ganache turns this dessert into a tres leches cake with chocolate ganache, enhancing the flavor and making it ideal for special occasions or when you want a more indulgent authentic Mexican chocolate milk cake.

Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake – Rich, Creamy, and Easy 2026

Name: Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 oz Mexican chocolate, melted; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Description

A rich and moist chocolate cake soaked in a sweet blend of milk and Mexican chocolate, topped with a silky chocolate ganache. This dessert combines the indulgence of a chocolate cake with the creamy texture of a traditional tres leches, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for authentic Mexican flavor)

For the Milk Soak:

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 oz Mexican chocolate, melted

For the Ganache Frosting:

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration (optional):

Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings or curls
Fresh berries

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Bake Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth.
Pour batter into the pan and bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Milk Soak
In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and melted Mexican chocolate.

Step 3: Soak the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, poke holes with a fork and slowly pour the milk mixture over it. Let it absorb for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate a few hours for best results).

Step 4: Make Ganache
Heat cream until just simmering and pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the soaked cake.

Step 5: Decorate
Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and berries if desired. Chill before serving for a fully set cake.

Notes

Authentic Flavor: Use Mexican chocolate for a warm, slightly spiced chocolate taste.
Make Ahead: The cake can be soaked and chilled overnight, enhancing flavor and texture.
Mini Version: Bake in cupcake tins for single servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Category: Dessert / Chocolate Cake
Method: Baked / Soaked / Frosted
Cuisine: American