Name: Healthy Tres Leches Cake: High Protein, Sugar Free Indulgence
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 155 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (see post for subs, 90g); ⅔ cup Vanilla Protein Powder (Flex Whey-casein, 60g); ¼ cup Unflavored Protein Powder (Whey-casein, 22g); ¼ cup Coconut Flour (28g); 1½ tsp Cinnamon; 1¼ tsp Baking Soda; ¾ cup + 3 Tbsp Hot Water (225ml); ¾ cup Unsweetened Applesauce (180g); 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice; 2 tsp Melted Butter (10g); ¼ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (60ml); 2 Tbsp Vanilla Protein Powder (Whey-casein, 11g); ¼ cup Evaporated Oat Milk (or regular, 60ml); 2 Tbsp Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt (28g); 4 oz Reduced Fat Cool Whip (1½ cups, 112g, Thawed)

Indulge in guilt-free decadence with this Healthy Tres Leches Cake. Packed with protein and flavor, this low-calorie, sugar-free twist on the classic dessert is a must-try for health-conscious sweet tooths.

Jump to Recipe

Craving a decadent dessert without the guilt? This protein tres leches cake is the perfect solution! We’ve transformed the classic tres leches cake into a lighter, more nutritious version that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a touch of sweetness, this cake is a delightful indulgence you can enjoy without feeling deprived.

This low calorie tres leches cake is a healthier twist on the traditional recipe, making it a guilt-free treat for those watching their waistline. It’s also a sugar free tres leches cake option, perfect for individuals with dietary restrictions or those looking to reduce their sugar intake.

Why This Recipe Works

Healthier Ingredients: We’ve swapped out traditional ingredients for healthier alternatives, such as whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and plant-based milk.
Moist and Flavorful: The cake is still incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to a combination of Greek yogurt and a lighter milk mixture.
High Protein: This recipe is packed with protein, thanks to the protein powder in the cake and the milk mixture. You can further boost the protein content by using protein-rich milk alternatives like pea milk or soy milk.

Ingredients for the Best Healthy Tres Leches Recipe!

This healthy tres leches cake is made with some real clean ingredients and you’re not going to feel any guilt with that second slice!

Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
Whey-Casein Vanilla Protein Powder to replace the ‘sugar’.
I used half Quest Nutrition and half Flex brand Vanilla protein powder..
Unflavored Protein Powder to replace some of the flour (and carbs) in the recipe. I used a whey-casein blend from Quest Nutrition.
Coconut Flour
Hot Water
Unsweetened Applesauce
Some Lemon Juice
A bit of Melted Butter
Baking Soda

Milk Mixture

Unsweetened Almond Milk
Vanilla Protein Powder I used Quest Nutrition here
Non-fat Plain Greek Yogurt
Evaporated Oat Milk like the one from Nature’s Charm; Regular evaporated milk also works here

The Topping for High Protein Tres Leches Cake

Reduced Fat Cool Whip topping!

How to make Protein Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Contrary to what I expected, this Protein Tres eches Cake is really easy to make!

Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8” square baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, coconut flour and baking soda until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the hot water, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Create Batter:
Gently whisk the wet mix into the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.

Bake to Perfection:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Milk Mixture:
Whisk milk, vanilla protein powder, evaporated milk and yogurt in a bowl.

Make the holes:
AFTER CAKE COOLS, poke holes in cake using a fork. Pour milk mixture into holes and fill completely.

Chill:
Place in fridge for 1-2 hours to chill.

Spread cool whip on cake and slice into 8 portions.

Make Ahead and Store Sugar Free Tres Leches Cake

This sugar free tres leches cake is a keeper and perfect for making ahead of time. Once assembled and chilled, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze for 2-3 months, but be sure to thaw frozen healthy tres leches cake before eating.

Over the countertop, consume within a couple of hours.

Low Calorie Tres Leches Recipe Tips

Don’t overmix the batter: Once the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients, stop mixing. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Let the cake cool completely: This is important for the milk mixture to soak in properly and create the signature tres leches texture as a low calorie version. If the cake is still warm, the milk will run off the sides instead of absorbing into the cake.
Use room temperature ingredients: This will help ensure a smooth batter and even baking.

Other Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake with Protein Powder

For the perfect tres leches cake recipe with protein powder, I would highly suggest using the ingredients and brands I recommended, but here’s some alternatives:

Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: Use All purpose flour or 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour in the same amount by weight, not cups.
Or use a combination of whole wheat pastry flour + oat flour.
Unflavored Protein Powder: Use 2 Tbsp flour

Unsweetened Applesauce: Mashed Banana or Pumpkin Puree
Melted Butter: Melted Coconut Oil or Dairy Free Butter
Lemon Juice: Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar

Milk Mixture:

Greek Yogurt: Coconut Yogurt
Almond Milk: use Regular Milk or skim milk or lactose free milk
Evaporated Oat Milk: Normal evaporated milk works just as well!
Reduced Fat Cool Whip: Regular one works here!

More High Protein Poke Cake Recipes: