Here’s a classic Tres Leches Cake recipe—a moist, rich cake soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with whipped cream.
🍰 Tres Leches Cake
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided: ¾ cup + ¼ cup)
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the milk soak:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon or fruit for garnish (optional)
🔪 Instructions
1. Bake the cake
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in milk and vanilla.
- Gently fold in dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fold egg whites into batter gently.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
2. Soak with milk
- Combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup heavy cream.
- Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a fork or skewer.
- Pour milk mixture slowly over the cake, allowing it to absorb. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Make the topping
- Beat 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread over soaked cake.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit if desired.
🌟 Tips
- Extra moist: Let the cake soak overnight for maximum flavor.
- Flavor variations: Add a teaspoon of rum, coffee, or almond extract to the milk mixture.
- Serving: Cut into small squares—it’s rich and indulgent!
If you want, I can also give a quick 30-minute stove-top Tres Leches cake recipe that’s simpler but still creamy and delicious.
