Tres Leches Cake is a decadent and moist dessert soaked in three types of milk, making it a beloved treat in Latin American cuisine. This classic dessert is known for its rich flavor and creamy texture, perfect for any special occasion or celebration. Learn how to make this delicious Tres Leches Cake with our easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake
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, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Three Milks Mixture:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Tres Leches Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat egg yolks with sugar: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Beat egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in egg whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Prepare the Three Milks Mixture
- Combine milks: In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk.
Step 3: Soak the Cake
- Poke holes in the cake: While the cake is still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Pour the milk mixture: Slowly pour the three milks mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cake to absorb the milks.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Finish the Cake
- Frost the cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cake.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, indulgent flavors of Tres Leches Cake!
About the Main Ingredients
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and richness to the Tres Leches Cake. The separated yolks are beaten with sugar to create a light and airy base, while the whipped egg whites add a fluffy texture to the batter. Together, they contribute to the cake’s moist and tender crumb.
Three Milks (Tres Leches)
The essence of Tres Leches Cake lies in its three milks mixture—sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. This combination ensures that the cake becomes incredibly moist and flavorful as it absorbs the milks. The sweetness of the condensed milk and the richness of the evaporated milk add depth to each bite, creating a luscious dessert experience.
Whipped Cream
The whipped cream topping adds a luxurious finish to the Tres Leches Cake. It provides a light and airy contrast to the rich, moist cake beneath. Sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla extract, the whipped cream complements the creamy texture of the soaked cake, making each bite a delightful treat.
Tres Leches Cake is a beloved dessert celebrated for its moist texture and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe promises to delight with its creamy goodness and delicate sweetness. Enjoy the tradition of Tres Leches Cake with this easy-to-follow recipe!
