Tres Leche Cake Recipe
Tres Leche Cake Recipe is a light sponge cake soaked in a sweet mixture of three milks, creating a moist and creamy dessert. The cake is topped with whipped cream and optionally garnished with fruit or cinnamon. Its rich texture and balanced sweetness make it a beloved Latin American dessert, enjoyed chilled and served in slices for gatherings or celebrations.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Two medium mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for doneness testing)
Ingredients
For The Cake Sponge:
- 1 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs yolks and whites separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted (optional adds extra richness)
For The Three Milk Soak:
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Whipped Topping:
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Optional Garnish: fresh strawberries or cherries ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat And Get Ready
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Combine The Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Put it aside.
Step 3: Beat The Egg Yolks
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy. Add the milk, vanilla, and melted butter, then mix until smooth.
Step 4: Whip The Egg Whites
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks start to form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks hold their shape.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
- Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Then carefully fold in the whipped egg whites with a spatula, keeping the batter light and airy.
Step 6: Bake The Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
Step 7: Add The Three Milks
- In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla. Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cooled cake, then slowly pour the milk mixture over the top so it soaks in evenly. Chill the cake for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight for a richer flavor.
Step 8: Whip The Topping And Serve
- Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Finish it off with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon before serving.
Notes
For the most luscious Tres Leches Cake, chill it overnight after soaking this allows the milks to fully infuse the sponge for a melt in your mouth texture.
Use cold heavy cream for perfect whipped topping, and garnish with fresh fruit for a beautiful finishing touch.