Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, unique, and deeply satisfying? This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches cake delivers all that and more. A velvety sweet potato sponge soaks up a luscious trio of milks — including a splash of dark rum — creating a moist, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with tropical flair.
Perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or when you simply want to impress, this Caribbean-inspired twist on a classic Latin dessert brings warmth, spice, and depth to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A moist sponge enriched with roasted sweet potato
- A flavorful milk soak laced with dark rum
- Perfectly balanced sweetness and creamy texture
- Easy to make ahead — even better the next day
Ingredients
Serves 12
For the Sweet Potato Cake
- 1 cup roasted sweet potato, mashed and cooled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Rum Tres Leches Soak
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp dark rum (or to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Toasted coconut, chopped pecans, or ground cinnamon for garnish
Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours minimum
- Total Time: ~5 hours (mostly passive)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Sweet Potato
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pierce one medium sweet potato with a fork and roast for 45–50 minutes or until tender. Let cool, then peel and mash. Set aside 1 cup.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Lower oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until pale and thick. Stir in vanilla and mashed sweet potato.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until glossy.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the sweet potato mixture, then fold in the egg whites until just combined.
3. Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes.
4. Make the Rum Milk Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and dark rum.
5. Soak the Cake
- Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- Slowly pour the rum-milk mixture evenly over the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
6. Make the Whipped Cream Topping
- Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread evenly over the chilled cake.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut, chopped pecans, or cinnamon.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the rich, creamy bite with every forkful.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 12 slices) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 345 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Sugars | 29 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 135 mg |
| Vitamin A | 85% DV |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
Key Benefits:
- Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants
- Rum and spices bring a warm, festive flavor
- Three types of milk ensure ultra-moist texture and depth
- Lower sugar than traditional tres leches cakes thanks to natural sweetness from sweet potato
Tips & Variations
- Make it non-alcoholic: Replace rum with extra vanilla or a splash of coconut milk.
- Make ahead: The cake actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
- Add texture: Mix crushed pineapple or chopped dates into the cake batter for extra flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for holiday warmth.
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience. Moist, luxurious, and rich with flavor, it combines comforting ingredients with a touch of elegance. Whether served during the holidays or at your next dinner party, it’s bound to become a new favorite.