A Healthier Twist on Classic Tres Leches Cake: Lighter, Creamier, and Just as Indulgent
Dessert
Craving something rich, decadent, and creamy but trying to stay on track with your health goals? If you’ve got a sweet tooth but want to keep things lighter without sacrificing flavor, this Healthier Tres Leches Cake is exactly what you need!
Traditionally, tres leches cake is a rich, milk-soaked dessert topped with whipped cream—absolutely delicious, but also loaded with calories. In this healthier version, we swap out oil for nonfat Greek yogurt in the cake, use low-fat dairy in the tres leches mixture, and sweeten the whipped cream with stevia. The result? A dessert that’s just as indulgent, but with a fraction of the calories and more protein. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt!
This recipe is an ideal treat for meal prep, special occasions, or even just a healthier dessert option to enjoy with family and friends. Let’s break it down.
Healthier Tres Leches Cake Recipe: Indulgence without the Guilt
Macros per Serving (Makes 12 servings):
Calories: 175
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 20g
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 box zero-sugar chocolate cake mix (I used Pillsbury's Zero Sugar Chocolate Cake Mix)
1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (to replace the oil in the cake mix—adds protein and reduces fat)
3 eggs
12 oz low-fat evaporated milk
14 oz low-fat condensed milk
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
16 oz heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp stevia (or sweetener of choice)
Cocoa powder (for dusting the top)
1. Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box. However, replace the oil with 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt. This swap helps reduce the fat content and adds a boost of protein without compromising the moistness of the cake.
Add the 3 eggs and mix everything according to the box instructions.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes (or as per the cake mix box instructions). You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Make the Tres Leches Mixture:
While the cake is baking, mix together the 12 oz low-fat evaporated milk, 14 oz low-fat condensed milk, and 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk in a bowl or large measuring cup. This combination of milks will give the cake its signature creamy texture and sweetness.
Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Cool the Cake and Soak:
Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool completely. This step is important so the cake doesn’t fall apart when you add the soaking liquid.
Once cooled, poke holes all over the cake with a fork. This will allow the milk mixture to soak into the cake, creating that ultra-moist texture that tres leches is famous for.
Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake. Be patient—pour it in gradually to ensure the cake absorbs all of the milk. Cover the cake and refrigerate overnight so the flavors can soak in fully and the cake becomes wonderfully soft and creamy.
4. Make the Whipped Cream:
The next day, whip the 16 oz heavy whipping cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
Sweeten the whipped cream with 3 tbsp of stevia (or more if you prefer a sweeter topping). You can also experiment with other sweeteners like monk fruit or erythritol if you want to keep it low-carb.
Once whipped, spread the whipped cream generously over the cake.
5. Garnish & Serve:
Dust the top of the cake with a little cocoa powder for an added touch of chocolatey flavor and a gorgeous presentation.
Slice, serve, and enjoy this lighter version of tres leches cake with a crowd or enjoy it on your own as a satisfying, healthier treat!
Meal Prep Safety Tips & Storage:
Storage: After the cake has soaked overnight, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake will continue to soak up the milk, making it even more flavorful and rich the next day. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions of the cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing to preserve freshness.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake at room temperature, simply remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. The whipped cream topping doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to top the cake with whipped cream just before serving.
Portion Control: This recipe yields 12 servings, which helps with portion control. You can also slice it into smaller pieces if you’re looking to reduce your calorie intake per serving.
Additional Notes & Variations:
Dairy-Free Option: If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan version of this cake, you can swap the low-fat evaporated milk and low-fat condensed milk for their dairy-free counterparts (coconut or oat milk-based options work great). For the whipped cream, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream.
Sweetener Substitutes: If you want to further reduce the sugar content, you can experiment with using monk fruit or erythritol in place of stevia, though this may affect the texture of the whipped cream slightly. Always adjust to taste!
Flavor Variations: While this recipe is a chocolate tres leches, you can easily switch things up by using a vanilla cake mix or even adding some cinnamon or cocoa powder to the milk mixture to give it a fun flavor twist. You could also add fresh fruit (like strawberries or raspberries) on top for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Texture Tip: For the most authentic tres leches texture, make sure to let the cake sit in the fridge for at least 6-8 hours (overnight is best) to give the milk mixture enough time to fully soak in and soften the cake.
Conclusion:
This Healthier Tres Leches Cake is the perfect balance of creamy, indulgent goodness and light, nutritious ingredients. By swapping out some of the higher-fat and higher-calorie components for healthier alternatives, you can still enjoy this classic Mexican dessert without the guilt. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day, planning ahead for meal prep, or serving it at your next gathering, this cake is sure to impress both your taste buds and your waistline.
If you try it out, let me know how it turns out! Tag me on social media with #HealthyTresLechesCake—I’d love to see your versions!