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Best Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Tres Leches Cake is a rich, creamy dessert made by soaking a sponge cake in three types of milk. This Best Tres Leches Cake Recipe creates a perfectly moist, sweet cake that’s topped with whipped cream and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or a family gathering, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to delight everyone.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Latin American
Servings 12 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork for poking holes in the cake

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar divided
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup whole milk

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • 1. Prepare the Cake:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
    In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, then fold in the flour mixture until fully combined.
    2. Bake the Cake:
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
    3. Soak the Cake:
    Once the cake is cool, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface. In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let the cake absorb the milk.
    4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
    In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
    5. Serve:
    Garnish the Tres Leches Cake with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a splash of rum or vanilla extract to the milk mixture.
  • The cake is best served chilled, so allow enough time for the cake to fully absorb the milk and cool before serving.
  • You can make the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge, which actually enhances the flavor.
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