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The BEST Tres Leches Cake

This Tres Leches Cake is soft, creamy, and decadent, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just enjoying a sweet treat with loved ones, this cake never fails to impress. The combination of the soft cake soaked in a rich, milky syrup and topped with fluffy whipped cream is pure bliss in every bite. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it the perfect stress-free dessert.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings 10

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.