Irresistible Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups Recipe

Name: Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar); 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots); 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup sweetened condensed milk; ½ cup evaporated milk; ½ cup whole milk; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe By:

Jennifer Shear

Posted:

February 4, 2026

Updated:

February 4, 2026

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Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups are a delightful combination of moist carrot cake and the creamy decadence of tres leches. Imagine biting into a luscious dessert that dances between flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with a fluffy cloud of cream cheese frosting.

This show-stopping dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy dinner parties. It brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked treats would fill the air, leaving everyone longing for just one more bite.

Why You'll Love This Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups

This incredible Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

The last time I made these cups, my friends declared them “life-changing” and practically fought over the last one.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: A versatile staple that forms the base of our cake; ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; check freshness by adding it to warm water—if it bubbles, it’s good.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth; use fresh ground if you can for maximum flavor impact.
Shredded Carrots: Freshly grated carrots yield moisture and natural sweetness; opt for medium-sized carrots for easy shredding.

For the Milk Mixture:

Condensed Milk: A must-have for that rich tres leches flavor; don’t skimp on quality here.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess without being overly sweet; essential for achieving that dreamy texture.
Whole Milk: Brings everything together smoothly; use full-fat for best results.

For the Frosting:

Cream Cheese: The star of your frosting—make sure it’s softened to blend easily.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens without grittiness; sift before using to avoid lumps in your frosting.
Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates the flavor profile—go for pure extract if possible!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups

How to Make Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups

Prepare Your Oven and Cupcake Tins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This step ensures easy removal after baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until well combined. The fragrant spices should make your kitchen smell divine.

Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs with vegetable oil until frothy. Gradually add in your shredded carrots and stir until everything is coated in happiness.

Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined—overmixing leads to dense cupcakes! Picture fluffy clouds instead!

Bake Those Cups: Pour batter into prepared tins filling each cup halfway. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling like heaven!

Create The Tres Leches Mixture: While cupcakes cool, mix condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk in a bowl. Stir well—this creamy concoction is what dreams are made of!

Poke Holes in Cupcakes: Once cool, poke holes in each cupcake using a fork or skewer. Drizzle three milks mixture generously over them until soaked but not swimming!

Whip Up Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. It should be fluffy enough to spread joy (and frosting) everywhere!

Frost Your Cups: Once soaked cupcakes have absorbed all that milky goodness, pipe or spread cream cheese frosting on top. Feel free to garnish with extra carrot shavings or nuts if desired!

And there you have it! Each layer brings something special—from moist cake to luscious topping—a trip down memory lane with every spoonful! Enjoy these heavenly treats at family gatherings or simply as an indulgent evening snack because you deserve it!

You Must Know About Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups

This showstopping Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the carrot cake cups first, allowing them to cool while preparing the tres leches mixture. This timing ensures you serve a perfectly soaked dessert that won’t fall apart too soon. As you mix your milks, whisk in sugar until dissolved before pouring over the cooled cake. Remember to let everything chill together in the fridge for at least an hour; patience is key to achieving a deliciously moist treat.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular flour for gluten-free options if needed or add crushed pineapple for an extra burst of flavor. Experimenting with spices like nutmeg or ginger can elevate the taste too! You can also top these cups with whipped cream or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and sweetness, making your dessert truly unique.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to reheat them, gently warm each cup in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds; just be careful not to heat them too long, or you’ll find yourself with a soggy mess instead of a delightful treat.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups

This professional-quality Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Creating these delightful cups reminds me of my aunt’s famous baking days filled with laughter and sweet aromas wafting through her home.

FAQ

What are Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups?

Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups are individual desserts combining moist carrot cake with a creamy tres leches milk mixture. They are served chilled and topped with whipped cream, offering a rich yet refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cups are perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare them a day before your event and let them chill overnight in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Do I have to use specific types of milk?

While traditional tres leches uses evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk, feel free to experiment! Substitute almond or coconut milk if you want dairy-free options without compromising too much on taste.

What’s the best way to serve these cups?

Serve these delectable treats chilled straight from the fridge, garnished with whipped cream and perhaps some chopped nuts or fresh fruit on top for a pop of color and flavor enhancement.

Conclusion for Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups

In conclusion, Carrot Cake Tres Leches Cups combine delightful textures and flavors that make them irresistible. With simple ingredients and customizable options, anyone can create this stunning dessert effortlessly! So gather your friends around, dig into these delightful cups, and enjoy every creamy bite together!