Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Tres leches cake is a classic Latin American dessert known for its ultra-moist texture and rich flavor. This cake is soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream—creating a dessert that’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for any special occasion. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for topping)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a fork, then pour the milk mixture over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, whip the remaining heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the cake and garnish with fresh fruit if desired.
Tips
For extra flavor, add a splash of rum or brandy to the milk mixture. This cake is best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
FAQs
- Can I make tres leches cake ahead of time? Yes, it’s actually better to make it ahead so it can absorb all the flavors. Prepare it a day before serving.
- Can I use a different topping? Yes, you can top it with cinnamon, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel.
- How do I store tres leches cake? Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly.
- Is tres leches cake supposed to be wet? Yes, the cake is very moist and soaked with a mixture of three types of milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
Conclusion
This tres leches cake is rich, moist, and full of creamy flavor. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a sweet, decadent treat. With its light sponge and creamy milk soak, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy the classic flavors of this beloved dessert!
