A soft and spongy rose-infused cake soaked in a luxurious three-milk mixture, topped with creamy whipped topping, crunchy pistachios, and fragrant rose petals. This dessert blends delicate floral notes with rich, creamy textures, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Enhances the softness of the cake.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- ½ cup yogurt (plain or Greek) – Makes the cake moist and soft while replacing eggs.
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%) – Adds moisture and enhances the texture.
- 1 tablespoon rose syrup (such as Rooh Afza) – Gives the cake its signature floral flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the rose flavor for a balanced taste.
For the Milk Mixture (Tres Leches Soak):
- ½ cup condensed milk – Adds sweetness and a creamy texture.
- ½ cup whole milk – Provides moisture for the soak.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – Enhances richness.
- 1 tablespoon rose syrup – Infuses the milk with a floral note.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream (homemade or store-bought) – Light, airy topping that complements the soaked cake.
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios – Adds a crunchy contrast.
- 1 tablespoon dried rose petals – Provides a beautiful floral garnish.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and lightly flour an 8×8-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add yogurt, milk, rose syrup, and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula.
- Stir gently until just combined (do not overmix, as it can make the cake dense).
- The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
3. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before proceeding to the soaking step.
4. Prepare the Tres Leches Milk Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Condensed milk
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Rose syrup
- Mix well until smooth.
5. Soak the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cake.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it soaks into the holes.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (for best results, chill overnight).
6. Add Toppings & Serve
- Spread whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals for a beautiful presentation.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed cold, as chilling enhances the flavors and texture.
- Freezing: The unsoaked cake can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before soaking with the milk mixture.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Calcium: 90mg
Recipe Notes & Variations
Flavor Enhancements:
- Add ½ teaspoon rose water for a more intense floral flavor.
- Swap vanilla extract for cardamom powder (¼ teaspoon) for an Indian-inspired twist.
For a Lighter Version:
- Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Reduce condensed milk to ⅓ cup for less sweetness.
Vegan Version:
- Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk.
- Use vegan condensed milk (available in stores or homemade).
- Replace heavy cream with whipped coconut cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Light, fluffy texture with a melt-in-the-mouth consistency
✔ Rich, floral, and creamy flavor profile
✔ A showstopper dessert for any celebration
✔ Can be made ahead and stored easily
This Rose Milk Tres Leches Cake is a beautiful fusion of classic tres leches and aromatic rose flavors, perfect for those who love delicate and creamy desserts. Serve this at gatherings, special occasions, or as an indulgent treat for yourself!