If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that’s indulgently creamy, bursting with cookie goodness, and guaranteed to wow your friends and family, then this Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious cake takes the traditional tres leches concept to a whole new level by adding crushed Oreos right into the batter and the whipped cream topping, creating a perfect blend of moist, milky richness paired with that unmistakable cookies and cream flavor. It’s delightful, comforting, and downright addictive—making it a shining star for any occasion or just a special treat where you truly deserve to indulge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in crafting the perfect Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe. From the fluffy yellow cake base to the trio of milks that soak it, and finally the whipped cream with a cookies twist, every element works together to build layers of texture and flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the light, tender base that soaks up all the milks beautifully.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.
- 18 Oreo cookies, crushed: Mixed into the batter for that signature cookies & cream crunch in every bite.
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Intensely sweet, it makes the cake incredibly moist and rich.
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and a slight caramel undertone.
- 1 cup half-and-half: Balances the milk mixture, creating a silky texture.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped into fluffy perfection for the topping.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just right, keeping it smooth.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor of the whipped cream topping.
- 6 Oreo cookies, crushed: Folded into the whipped cream for extra crunch and that beloved cookies & cream flair.
- Cherries: Optional but adds the perfect pop of color and a hint of tartness on top of each slice.
How to Make Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by mixing your yellow cake mix according to the package directions, but don’t forget to add in that cinnamon and the crushed Oreos. The cinnamon enhances the cake’s warmth while the Oreos give it the deliciously familiar cookies and cream texture. Pour your batter into a greased and floured 9×13 pan to prevent sticking, and bake as directed. The anticipation builds as your kitchen begins to fill with the sweet smell of baked cake and chocolate cookies.
Step 2: Make the Tres Leches Milk Mixture
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the magic soak that brings this tres leches cake to life. Combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half in a bowl. This creamy trio is the heart of the cake’s luscious texture, ensuring every bite is moist and satisfying without being overly heavy.
Step 3: Soak the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, gently but thoroughly poke holes all over it using a skewer or fork. This step is crucial because it allows the milk mixture to seep deep into the sponge, saturating every crumb with flavor. Slowly pour the tres leches milk mixture over the cake, letting it absorb. Then, cool the cake completely and refrigerate it overnight. This wait might test your patience, but trust me, it’s worth it for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
Step 4: Whip and Spread the Cookies & Cream Topping
When you’re ready to serve, it’s time for the showstopper: the whipped cream. Chill your mixing bowl briefly in the freezer to help the cream whip up to fluffy perfection quickly. Beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract at high speed until soft peaks form. Then fold in the crushed Oreos to infuse the topping with that irresistible cookies and cream flavor. Spread this cloud-like topping evenly over the chilled cake and adorn each slice with a bright red cherry for a festive touch.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the beauty and flavor of your Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe, fresh cherries are perfect to add a pop of vibrant color and a burst of tartness that balances the sweet creaminess. You can also sprinkle some extra crushed Oreos or even shaved chocolate on top for extra texture and drama. Whipped cream swirls can add elegance if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
This cake is a dessert star all on its own but pairing it with simple sides like fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light espresso will round out the richness and highlight its complex flavors. A cup of hot coffee or rich hot chocolate will also make the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special celebrations, try serving individual portions in clear glasses layered with cake, milk soak, and whipped cream for an elegant trifle look. Alternatively, cut smaller bite-sized squares served on decorative plates with a cherry on top make for a charming dessert sampler. Presentation truly enhances the delight of this Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this cake is soaked in milk and topped with whipped cream, it’s best stored tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy this treat more than once.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s better to freeze just the cake layer without the whipped topping to preserve texture. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh whipped topping before serving.
Reheating
This cake is delightful chilled, so reheating is generally not necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer bite, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving to keep the whipped cream intact and prevent the cake from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade yellow cake instead of the mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade yellow cake recipe, it works beautifully with this Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up the milk mixture without falling apart.
What kind of Oreos work best for this recipe?
Classic Oreos are best for that authentic cookies and cream experience, but feel free to experiment with double-stuffed for an extra creamy bite or even fudge-covered Oreos for a chocolate twist.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Since the magic of tres leches is in the milk soak and whipped cream, making it dairy-free requires specialty milks and creams that whip well, such as coconut whipped cream. The flavor and texture will change, but you can still create a delicious alternative.
How long does the cake need to soak for best flavor?
Overnight refrigeration is ideal to let the milks fully permeate the cake, creating that signature moist, rich texture. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 4 hours will still give good results.
Can I prepare the cake a day in advance for a party?
Definitely! In fact, preparing it a day in advance and letting it soak overnight enhances the flavor and moistness, making your Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe impressively delicious and stress-free for your event.
Final Thoughts
This Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe is a wonderful way to bring some joy, nostalgia, and pure comfort to your dessert table. With its perfect balance of moist cake, creamy milky soak, and crunchy Oreo goodness, it’s a recipe that’s easy to love and even easier to make. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as this crowd-pleaser becomes your new favorite sweet indulgence to share with those you treasure most.
Print
Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cookies & Cream Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Mexican dessert, featuring a moist yellow cake infused with crushed Oreo cookies and soaked in a luscious blend of three milks. Topped with a rich Oreo-infused whipped cream and garnished with cherries, this cake is perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a creamy, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients to make cake according to package directions)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 18 Oreo cookies, crushed
Milk Mixture
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
Whipped Topping
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 Oreo cookies, crushed
- Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Gently fold in 18 crushed Oreo cookies to distribute them evenly. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch pan and bake as directed on the cake mix package.
- Make the Milk Mixture: While the cake bakes, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half in a bowl until combined.
- Soak the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and while it is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake to allow it to soak in. Let the cake cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight to achieve maximum moisture and flavor.
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: Chill your mixing bowl in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to help the cream whip better. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on high speed for 1-2 minutes until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in 6 crushed Oreo cookies to incorporate into the whipped topping.
- Assemble and Serve: Spread the Oreo whipped cream evenly over the chilled tres leches cake. Garnish each slice with a cherry before serving for an added touch of color and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is warm when pouring the milk mixture to help it soak better.
- Refrigerating overnight is key to allowing the milk to fully absorb, resulting in a moist texture.
- Chilling the mixing bowl before whipping cream helps achieve stiffer peaks and a better texture.
- For a stronger Oreo flavor, you can increase the amount of crushed Oreos in the batter or topping to taste.
- Use full-fat dairy for the best texture and flavor in this dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
