The sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafts out of Tres Lecheria, where co-owner Kevin Moulder has turned a traditional Mexican dessert into a vibrant celebration of Queer Latinx identity. This year’s Pride creation remains under wraps, but Moulder confirmed to the SGN that “it has to be colorful, fun, diverse, and delicious — with proceeds supporting local LGBTQIA+ organizations like Ingersoll Gender Center."

"Every Pride season, we create an original flavor that reclaims Queer culture," he added, recalling last year’s "Little Fruity" cake, a playful fruit cocktail medley that transformed a childhood slur into a joyful dessert.

Filling a gap

Moulder, a Texas transplant, noticed a gap in Seattle’s food scene when he first arrived.
"I grew up with tres leches at every celebration: birthdays, funerals, gatherings. But everywhere I looked, it was made with artificial ingredients," he explained.

Determined to create something authentic, he committed to using real dairy from local farms, even as costs soared. He said egg and heavy cream prices have tripled since first opening Tres Lecheria but that the location will never compromise on its ingredients — even if it means putting in harder work to keep prices fair for customers.

The bakery’s identity can be tasted through innovative flavors that honor tradition while embracing modernity.

"Older generations sometimes ask why we're 'messing with' traditional flavors," Moulder said with a laugh. "But our creative versions better reflect who we are today as Queer Latinx people."

Its best-selling horchata tres leches remains a fan favorite. Upcoming flavors include a chocolate mint variation, a Dubai pistachio one inspired by viral trends, a chocolate sponge cake soaked in tres leches, and a butter pecan version inspired by Moulder’s roots.

Pride, community, and collaboration

During Pride Month, Tres Lecheria plans festive outdoor gatherings where customers can enjoy their special creations.

“For the month of June, we are collaborating each week with a different person or organization in the PNW to feature a limited-edition tres leches cake flavor, with each one representing a color of the Pride flag,” said Moulder. “These people are all either Queer, POC, or female, to highlight and celebrate the diverse communities we have in the PNW. A portion of the sales will be donated to a local organization that offers resources to local POC communities.”

So far confirmed are: Hanna Kang, a Bellevue-based content creator, who will be creating a Korean banana milk tres leches cake slice to represent the color yellow; Danza Monarcas (led by chef Gino Garcia), a local Queer folklórico dance group; and Teresa Martinez (Amano Seattle), a Latin American–inspired artist.

The bakery partners with neighboring businesses, like Karochka Tavern, a Queer-friendly Russian bar, and it employs Moulder’s family members, including his mother, who manages the location.

"We want people to feel at home here," Moulder said. "When Texans tell me they never expected to find real tres leches in Seattle, that's what keeps me going."

Moulder’s visibility as a Queer Latinx baker holds deep meaning.

"I don’t like a ton of attention, but I want people to feel proud of who they are and where they come from," he reflected. "Life isn’t that serious. Have fun, eat cake, and tell people you love them."

Behind the scenes: Challenges and growth

Running a small bakery hasn’t been without hurdles. Moulder shared how Tres Lecheria is working on streamlining production to maintain fair prices, and despite rising costs, the team remains committed to high quality.

"We’re still just a small, family-owned bake shop in Wallingford. Every cake is hand-frosted and hand-poured — it’s truly artisanal," Moulder said.

With interest from grocery stores across the West Coast, expansion is on the horizon for Tres Lecheria.

"We’re figuring out how to scale without losing what makes us special," Moulder said.

Moulder’s journey hasn’t been confined to Seattle. He and former baker Myra won Netflix’s Sugar Rush with Salvadoran-inspired creations, including a piñata-shaped Christmas cake.

"We were just ourselves," he recalled. "The judges said, ‘I feel lucky to have eaten this.’ That confidence changed everything for me."

The experience taught Moulder to embrace his identity.

"I used to worry people wouldn’t believe a fair-skinned guy like me could make authentic Mexican desserts. Now, I’m unapologetically myself — and that authenticity is why we’re still thriving."

Follow @tres_lecheria on Instagram for updates on new flavors and Pride Month events, or go to https://www.treslecheria.com.