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Tres Leches Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 133 reviews

Tres Leches Cake is a moist and decadent Latin American dessert made with a light sponge cake soaked in a rich mixture of three kinds of milk—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk—topped with fluffy whipped cream and garnished with cinnamon or fresh strawberries. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, ideal for celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Milk Soak

  • 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup whole milk

Whipped Topping

  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar or powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

  • Ground cinnamon and/or fresh strawberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), then lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together or combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
  3. Separate Eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites and yolks into two different bowls, placing the whites in one bowl and the yolks in another.
  4. Beat Egg Yolks with Sugar: Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to the bowl with the egg yolks. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on high speed until the mixture turns pale yellow and fluffy. Then stir in 1/3 cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until just combined.
  5. Combine Egg Yolk Mixture with Dry Ingredients: Pour the beaten egg yolk mixture into the bowl with the dry flour mixture and gently stir just until everything is combined, careful not to overmix.
  6. Whip Egg Whites: Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form (about 1 minute). While mixing on medium-low, gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Then increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form but not dry.
  7. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter with a spatula until just combined. Be careful to preserve the airy texture to keep the cake light. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface evenly.
  8. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan to room temperature.
  9. Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a large measuring cup or pitcher, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup whole milk. Stir well to blend the three milks.
  10. Poke the Cake: Once cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the milk mixture to soak deeply into the cake layers.
  11. Soak Cake with Milks: Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to distribute near the edges and all around so the batter absorbs thoroughly.
  12. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the cake soak up all the milk mixture completely.
  13. Make the Whipped Topping: While the cake chills, in a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with 3 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form and the cream holds its shape.
  14. Frost and Garnish: Once the cake has soaked and chilled, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the cake surface. Garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon and/or fresh strawberries for a colorful finish.

Notes

  • Be sure to fold the egg whites gently to keep the batter airy and light.
  • The cake is best chilled overnight to allow full absorption of the milk mixture and develop moist texture.
  • You can use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar in the whipped topping for a smoother texture.
  • For a festive touch, garnish with fresh strawberries, cinnamon, or even toasted coconut flakes.
  • Add a splash of rum or coffee extract to the milk soak for an adult variation.

Keywords: Tres Leches Cake, Milk Cake, Latin American Dessert, Moist Cake, Three Milk Cake, Whipped Cream Topping

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/tres-leches-cake-recipe/