Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to make the best Tres Leches Cake! This classic Latin American dessert is a moist and decadent treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a delicious Tres Leches Cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps of making the Tres Leches Cake, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

For the Cake:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 5 large eggs, separated

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1/3 cup whole milk

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture:

– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

– 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

– 1 cup whole milk

For the Topping:

– 2 cups heavy cream

– 1/4 cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start making our Tres Leches Cake:

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and stir until just combined.

Step 2: Beating the Egg Whites

In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the egg whites and result in a denser cake.

Step 3: Baking the Cake

Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Preparing the Milk Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk until well combined. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure to evenly distribute it. Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Topping the Cake

In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the soaked cake, creating a smooth and even layer. For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with fresh fruits or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Variations

While the traditional Tres Leches Cake is already a crowd-pleaser, you can add your own twist to this classic recipe:

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake:

For a chocolatey twist, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cake batter and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual. The chocolate flavor combined with the milky goodness takes this cake to a whole new level of decadence.

Coconut Tres Leches Cake:

If you’re a fan of coconut, you can incorporate it into your Tres Leches Cake by adding 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter. You can also sprinkle some extra coconut on top of the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Tres Leches Cake turns out perfectly:

– Make sure to use a fork or skewer to poke holes in the cake so that it can absorb the milk mixture effectively.

– Letting the cake chill in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld together and results in an even more delicious and moist cake.

– For the best results, use whole milk in both the cake batter and the milk mixture. The higher fat content adds richness and creaminess to the cake.

– Be patient when folding the beaten egg whites into the cake batter. This step helps to create a light and airy texture.

– When whipping the cream for the topping, make sure the bowl and beaters are chilled. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better.

Conclusion

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for the best Tres Leches Cake! With its moist sponge cake soaked in a luscious milk mixture and topped with fluffy whipped cream, this dessert is a true showstopper. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this Tres Leches Cake is sure to satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!

FAQs

1. Can I make Tres Leches Cake in advance?

Yes! In fact, Tres Leches Cake is often even better when made a day in advance. The cake has time to fully absorb the milk mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dessert.

2. How long can I store Tres Leches Cake?

Tres Leches Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent any odors from seeping into the cake.

3. Can I use a different type of milk?

While whole milk is traditionally used in Tres Leches Cake, you can experiment with different types of milk. However, keep in mind that using lower-fat milk may result in a less rich and creamy final product.

4. Can I freeze Tres Leches Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Tres Leches Cake. However, it is best to freeze it without the whipped cream topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before adding the whipped cream and serving.

5. Can I add other flavors to the milk mixture?

Absolutely! You can infuse the milk mixture with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of rum for an extra kick. Just make sure not to overpower the delicate flavors of the cake.

How to Make THE BEST Tres Leches Cake

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Latin American

Difficulty: medium

🍽️

Servings

12

⏱️

Prep time

30 minutes

🔥

Cooking time

30 minutes

📊

Calories

380 kcal

Pin Print

A moist and decadent Latin American dessert consisting of sponge cake soaked in a luscious three-milk mixture and topped with fluffy whipped cream. This foolproof recipe will guide you through creating a show-stopping treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Combine dry and wet ingredients.
3. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks, fold into the batter, and pour into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then cool the cake.
5. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Poke holes in the cake and pour the milk mixture over it. Allow to absorb for at least 30 minutes.
6. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread over the cake.
7. Garnish with fresh fruits or cinnamon if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380

Fat: 18

Carbohydrates: 45

Protein: 8

Sodium: 220

Fiber: 1

Sugar: 35