If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and full of flavor, look no further than the Tres Leches Cake! This Latin American classic has become a beloved treat worldwide, known for its incredibly moist texture and irresistible sweetness. The name “Tres Leches” translates to “three milks,” which refers to the three types of milk used in this cake—evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This combination results in a cake that soaks up all the milky goodness, leaving you with a dessert that’s moist, decadent, and absolutely unforgettable.
This Tres Leches Cake recipe takes the traditional approach and adds a few subtle tweaks to make it the BEST you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re preparing for a celebration, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself to a dessert you can’t resist, this cake is sure to wow your guests. It’s the perfect blend of flavors, topped with a light whipped cream frosting and a touch of cinnamon to balance the sweetness.
Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dessert that will have everyone coming back for more!
The BEST Tres Leches Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 5 large eggs separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Tres Leches Mixture:
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream for whipped cream topping
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale (about 3-5 minutes). Add in the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding them together until smooth. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter, working in batches until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture
- While the cake is cooling, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a medium bowl. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Soak the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or toothpick to poke holes all over the surface. This will allow the tres leches mixture to soak into the cake.
- Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, ensuring that it is evenly soaked. You may want to let it sit for 5 minutes to ensure it absorbs fully.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Once the cake has fully soaked and chilled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- If desired, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the whipped cream for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Chilling is key: Allow the cake to soak in the tres leches mixture for several hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Extra moisture: If you like your Tres Leches Cake extra moist, you can increase the amount of tres leches mixture slightly to ensure it soaks through every inch of the cake.
- Customization: Feel free to add a handful of fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries on top for an extra burst of flavor.
