Name: Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened); 2 cups sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1 can evaporated milk; 1 can sweetened condensed milk

What is a Tres Leches cake recipe? Is it a hug in dessert form? Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of a simple vanilla cake, but soaked in three kinds of milk. What makes it so moist? My grandma used to make this for every special occasion, and honestly, nothing says “celebration”. I always do this when I know that I have a big crowd coming over because it’s always the hit. I’ve been tweaking this recipe for years, and I swear it’s now foolproof. I’ve even compared it to some fancy bakery versions, and honestly? Mine is better!

What is Tres Leches cake?

What is Tres Leches Cake, translating to “three milks cake”? What are some examples of evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream? Think of it as a dreamy, creamy cloud of cake. What is milky and delicious? The cake itself is usually a light and airy vanilla sponge, which acts as the perfect canvas to paint. What is the best way to absorb milk? Originating from Latin America, it’s a staple dessert in many countries and each family has their own. What is your own little twist? What is the perfect ending to a birthday party? I will always remember the look on my friends’ faces the first time I made this for them!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are a million reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Tres Leches Cake Recipe, but let’s start with the most important: the flavor. It’s sweet, but not cloyingly so. The vanilla sponge is the perfect foundation, and the milk mixture adds a depth of flavor and moisture that’s simply irresistible. It’s that kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Seriously, don’t be intimidated by the “three milks” part; it’s just a matter of pouring and waiting (the hardest part!). This is also super cost-effective. The ingredients are pantry staples, and you can easily adjust the recipe to feed a crowd. And the best part? You can totally customize it! Add a layer of whipped cream, sprinkle some cinnamon, or even drizzle some caramel on top. It’s your canvas!

How do I make a Tres Leches cake?

Quick Overview

How do I make Tres Leches cake? How do you make a vanilla sponge cake? While it cools, you’ll mix together your three milks. Then, the magic happens. If you poke holes all over the cake and slowly pour the milk mixture over it, allowing it to soak in. Every nook and cranny. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon (or your favorite toppings) and voila! Is it worth waiting for the cake to absorb the milk? What is the best part about soaking a cake?

Ingredients

For the Cake:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 5 large eggs, separated
* 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
* 1/3 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Three Milks Mixture:
* 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 cup heavy cream

For the Topping: What is the
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Ground cinnamon, for dusting (optional)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you want to clean the bottom of a table, line it with parchment paper for easy removal. How do I make a cake clean?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do I make a cake that is evenly distributed? I always do this twice just to be super sure everything is mixed properly.

Step 3: Separate Eggs and Beat Whites

Separate the eggs into two bowls. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of the sugar until pale and thick. Set aside. In another clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. What is the best egg white for a cake?

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture in three additions, alternating with the water. Milk and vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light and airy. I use a spatula and make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl!

Step 5: Fold in Egg Whites

Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter in two additions. What is the best way to make a fluffy cake? We want to keep as much air in there as possible.

Step 6: Bake

How do I make a 10-inch round cake? Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until skewers are inserted. When inserted into the center comes out clean. I always start checking around 25 minutes just to be safe. Every oven is different!

Step 7: Cool and Poke Holes

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use a fork or wooden skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Don’t be shy, the more holes the better the milk soaks in! I usually do this while watching TV.

Step 8: Prepare and Pour the Milk Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Set aside. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to saturate the entire surface. Let the cake soak in the milk mixture for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in a warm place. What is the hardest part of waiting?

Step 9: Make the Topping

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside. How do you spread whipped cream over a soaked cake? I sometimes add a little bit of coffee liqueur to the whipped cream for some kick.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Slice and serve the Tres Leches Cake cold. Enjoy every single bite!

What should I serve it with?

What is the best recipe for Tres Leches Cake? What are some serving suggestions? What is a good breakfast to serve with steamed rice or roasted potatoes? The sweetness of the cake is perfectly balanced by the bitterness of coffee or the tartness. As a dessert, serve it with ice cream or caramel sauce. My family loves it with a side of fresh berries. For a cozy snack, enjoy it with milk or herbal tea. What’s the best way to enjoy a cake? One Christmas, I experimented with ginger infused whipped cream and it was a total hit! My grandma would have been proud!

How do I make a Tres Leches cake?

What are some extra tips to make this Tres Leches cake? When separating the eggs, make sure there’s no yolk in the whites, as this will prevent them from dividing. How do you whip properly Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients and egg whites to avoid deflating the batter. Don’t be afraid to experiment with milk! Add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to make this cocktail extra special. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whole milk, but the cake will not be as rich. The longer the cake soaks, the more moist it will be. Is it safe to over soak it or it will be mushy? This one time, I was distracted by a phone call, and the cake was in there for three days!! What a disaster!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you make a Tres Leches cake? Can you store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I usually use plastic wrap or an airtight container. What is the best way to serve a cake cold? If you prefer a slightly warmer cake, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. What is the time to serve a I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture may change after thawing. I’ve never had leftovers long enough to try freezing it. It usually disappears within a day or two!

What are the most frequently asked questions on

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for a better texture. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as gluten-free flours tend to get gummy when overmixed. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Do I have to use all three milks?

Yes, the three milks are what make this cake so special! Each milk adds a unique flavor and texture to the cake. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk. Just keep in mind that the cake won’t be as rich and creamy. One time, my friend was out of evaporated milk and used coconut milk instead, it was delicious!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making it ahead of time. The cake needs at least 2 hours to soak in the milk mixture, but it’s even better if you let it soak overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to become incredibly moist. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How can I prevent the cake from getting soggy?

The key is to not over soak the cake. Start by poking plenty of holes all over the surface of the cake. Then, slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in gradually. If you notice that the cake is already saturated, stop pouring! You can always add more milk later if needed. Also, make sure to use a good quality sponge cake that can hold its shape and texture.

Can I add other flavors to the cake or milk mixture?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your flavors. You can add a splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or rum to the cake batter. For the milk mixture, you can add a little bit of coffee liqueur, coconut extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon. You can also top the cake with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or caramel sauce. Let your imagination run wild!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends, the ultimate Tres Leches Cake Recipe! I truly believe this is the best version out there, and I can’t wait for you to try it. It’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to hit the spot. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes for even more delicious inspiration! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Also, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your own variations. I love seeing your creations!

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