Description
Classic Tres Leches Cake is a moist and rich sponge cake soaked in a luscious blend of three milks—whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk—topped with fluffy whipped cream. This traditional Latin American dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, ideal for celebrations or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Milk Mixture
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar vigorously until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which typically takes several minutes.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, folding gently to avoid deflating the batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to incorporate flavor evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Prepare Milk Soak: While the cake bakes, combine the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk in a separate bowl. Mix well to blend all three milks evenly.
- Soak the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and use a fork to poke holes all over the surface. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the pores created.
- Rest and Whip Topping: Let the cake soak at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to fully absorb the milk mixture. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy topping.
- Finish and Chill: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake. Refrigerate the cake until chilled, at least 1 hour, before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to poke sufficient holes in the cake to allow the milk mixture to soak thoroughly.
- Use chilled heavy cream for best whipping results.
- For added flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or garnish with fresh fruit before serving.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
