Tres Leches Cake, a classic Latin American dessert, is a deliciously moist and indulgent treat that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Its name translates to “three milks cake,” aptly describing the key feature of this dessert: a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three different types of milk—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. The result is a cake that is wonderfully rich and moist without being soggy, topped with a light and airy whipped cream.
Originating in Latin America, Tres Leches Cake has become a beloved dessert across the globe, known for its unique texture and flavor. This cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply as a special treat to enjoy at home. Despite its seemingly complex flavors, Tres Leches Cake is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and steps.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making this delightful dessert from scratch, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe both approachable and rewarding. So, let’s dive in and create a Tres Leches Cake that will impress and delight everyone who tastes it!
Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 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
Milk Mixture:
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat the Egg Yolks: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar on high speed until the yolks are pale yellow. Stir in the 1/3 cup of whole milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
- Beat the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the Egg Whites: Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.
- Soak the Cake: Once the cake is cool, poke holes all over the top of the cake using a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. The cake will absorb the milk mixture. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the milk mixture to fully soak into the cake.
- Make the Whipped Cream Topping: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Top the Cake: Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake chilled. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Tres Leches Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them whip up better and gives the cake more volume.
- Gentle Folding: Be gentle when folding the egg whites into the batter to maintain the airy texture.
- Refrigeration: For best results, refrigerate the cake for several hours or overnight to allow the milk mixture to fully soak into the cake.
- Toppings: You can add fresh fruit, such as strawberries or mango slices, on top of the whipped cream for added flavor and decoration.
Tres Leches Cake is a rich, moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with whipped cream, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. Its unique texture and flavor are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional Latin American treat and savor every delicious bite!