Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Few desserts can match the rich, moist, and creamy texture of a classic Tres Leches Cake. This beloved Latin American treat, named for its use of three types of milk, has become a favorite worldwide. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence on any day, Tres Leches Cake combines simplicity with decadence. Its light sponge cake soaks up the sweet milk mixture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into the steps to make this iconic dessert that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: ~4 hours

Ingredients:

• Cake:
  • ½ cup butter (1 stick)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• Milk Mixture:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 12 oz can evaporated milk
  • 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• Whipped Topping:
  • 1 ½ cups whipping cream
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

instructions 

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this ensures a light and airy cake texture.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
5. Soak the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over its surface using a fork or a skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the entire cake, allowing it to soak in completely. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
6. Make the Whipped Topping: In a large mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This should take about 4-5 minutes with an electric mixer on high speed.
7. Assemble the Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled and soaked cake. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle cinnamon or garnish with fresh fruits like strawberries or cherries.
8. Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve cold. Each bite promises a luscious combination of creamy milk and tender cake that will transport you to dessert heaven.

Tres Leches Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a party, a family gathering, or as a sweet ending to a quiet dinner, this cake is sure to impress. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a timeless classic that’s worth every step of preparation. So grab your ingredients and create this masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!