Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches

Melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato rum tres leches is a rich, creamy, and indulgent twist on the classic Latin American dessert. This version blends the warm, earthy sweetness of mashed sweet potato with the soft, spongy texture of tres leches cake—soaked in a decadent mix of three milks and a splash of rum. I love how every bite is luscious, slightly boozy, and deeply comforting, with just the right balance of spice and sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s unexpected yet instantly nostalgic. The sweet potato adds a velvety richness and subtle flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and vanilla notes in the milk soak. The rum gives it a grown-up twist that makes this dessert perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime I want to impress with something truly unique and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
ground cinnamon
eggs
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
mashed cooked sweet potato (smooth and cooled)

For the milk mixture:
sweetened condensed milk
evaporated milk
whole milk or heavy cream
dark rum (or spiced rum)
vanilla extract
ground nutmeg (optional)

For the topping:
whipping cream
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon or toasted coconut (optional garnish)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a separate bowl, I beat the eggs with sugar until thick and pale. I add in the vanilla and mashed sweet potato and mix until smooth.

4. I gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

5. I bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. While the cake cools slightly, I whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, rum, and vanilla.

7. I poke holes all over the warm cake with a skewer or fork and slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the surface. I refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

8. Before serving, I whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. I spread it over the chilled cake and sprinkle with cinnamon or toasted coconut.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 35 minutes
Chill time: at least 4 hours
Total time: about 5 hours (including chilling)

Variations

Sometimes I replace the rum with bourbon for a deeper, smokier flavor. I’ve also added orange zest to the milk mixture for a citrusy brightness. When I want extra richness, I use coconut milk in place of regular milk and top the cake with sweetened shredded coconut. A pecan or walnut sprinkle also adds a nice crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually gets better as it sits and soaks up more of the milk mixture. I serve it chilled and avoid reheating, as the creamy texture is best enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes, I replace the rum with more milk or a splash of rum extract for flavor without the alcohol.

Can I use canned sweet potato?

Yes, I’ve used canned pure sweet potato puree—just make sure it’s unsweetened and smooth.

What type of rum works best?

I prefer dark or spiced rum for warmth and depth, but white rum works if that’s what I have on hand.

Do I need to poke holes in the cake?

Yes, poking holes allows the milk mixture to soak in evenly and reach every bite.

Can I freeze tres leches cake?

I don’t recommend freezing after soaking, but I can freeze the baked cake (before adding the milk) and soak it fresh when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato rum tres leches is a luxurious, flavor-packed dessert that’s perfect for when I want something truly special. With its spiced sweet potato base, creamy rum-infused soak, and fluffy whipped topping, this cake delivers rich texture and unforgettable flavor in every bite. Whether it’s for a holiday table or just a cozy night in, it’s always worth the extra step.