Tres Leches Cake Recipe: A Moist and Decadent Delight
Tres leches cake is a rich, airy dessert soaked in three types of milk: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. This beloved treat, which translates to “three milks” in Spanish, is a favorite across Latin America and beyond. Known for its ultra-moist texture and sweet, creamy flavor, tres leches cake is a showstopper that’s perfect for any celebration.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through creating a homemade tres leches cake from scratch, complete with tips for achieving that perfect balance of lightness and decadence.
Why You'll Love Tres Leches Cake
- Incredibly Moist: The milk mixture transforms an ordinary sponge cake into a luscious dessert.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together to create a stunning, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to dinner parties, this cake is always a hit.
- Customizable: Top it with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.
Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5 large eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided into 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon or fresh fruit for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.Beat the Egg Yolks:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.Beat the Egg Whites:
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.Combine the Mixtures:
Gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture in batches, being careful not to deflate the batter. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Soak the Cake
Pierce the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, return it to the baking dish. Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will help the milk mixture absorb evenly.Prepare the Milk Mixture:
In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream until fully combined.Pour the Milk Mixture:
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the cake to soak thoroughly.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
Chill Your Tools:
Place the mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting.Whip the Cream:
Combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in the chilled bowl. Beat on high speed until soft peaks form.Spread the Topping:
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add Garnishes:
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over the whipped cream, or garnish with fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or mango slices for a pop of color and flavor.Slice and Serve:
Slice the cake into squares and serve cold. Each bite will be a perfect blend of light sponge, creamy milk, and fluffy whipped topping.
Tips for the Best Tres Leches Cake
Choose the Right Dish:
A glass or ceramic baking dish works best for soaking the cake.Make It Ahead:
Tres leches cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.Use Room-Temperature Ingredients:
Room-temperature eggs will whip up more easily, resulting in a lighter cake.Experiment with Add-Ons:
Add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to the milk mixture for an adult twist, or incorporate cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolate version.
Why Tres Leches Cake is Special
Tres leches cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a culinary celebration. Its origins are debated, with countries like Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela claiming it as their own, but its widespread popularity speaks to its universal appeal. Whether served at birthdays, weddings, or casual dinners, tres leches cake is always met with delight.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Cover the cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing (Without Topping): You can freeze the cake (before adding whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and add the whipped cream topping before serving.
Conclusion
Tres leches cake is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. Its moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, creamy flavor make it a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own tres leches masterpiece, and enjoy the joy it brings to every gathering!
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