Homemade Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Tres Leches Cake is a classic Latin American dessert that has captured hearts worldwide with its unique flavor and texture. The name translates to “three milks cake,” referencing the trio of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream that soak the sponge cake, giving it its signature moistness. This dessert is light yet decadent, combining a fluffy cake base with a rich, creamy soaking mixture and a delicate whipped cream topping. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it a standout treat for any occasion.

Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1. All-Purpose Flour:
   • This is the base ingredient for the cake. It provides structure and texture, giving the cake its light, airy feel. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid clumps and ensure even mixing.
2. Baking Powder:
   • This leavening agent helps the cake rise and become fluffy. It reacts with the wet ingredients to create bubbles that make the cake soft and airy.
3. Salt:
   • A pinch of salt is used to balance the sweetness of the cake and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. It also strengthens the structure of the batter.
4. Eggs:
   • Eggs help to bind the ingredients together, providing structure and stability. They also contribute to the cake’s richness and tenderness.
5. Sugar:
   • Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cake batter. It also helps to create a golden color when baking and contributes to the cake’s moistness.
6. Vanilla Extract:
   • Pure vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake. It complements the sweetness and adds depth to the overall taste.
7. Whole Milk:
   • Whole milk adds moisture and richness to the cake. It helps in making the cake batter smooth and enhances the overall flavor.
8. Butter:
   • Unsalted butter provides richness and a tender crumb to the cake. It also adds a slightly buttery flavor that pairs well with the milk mixture.

For the Milk Mixture:

1. Evaporated Milk:
   • This is a key component in the Tres Leches cake. It is milk that has been concentrated by removing most of its water content. It gives the cake a creamy and rich texture when poured over the baked cake.
2. Sweetened Condensed Milk:
   • Sweetened condensed milk is a thick, sweet milk used in many dessert recipes. It adds a rich, sugary flavor and contributes to the moistness of the cake.
3. Heavy Cream:
   • Heavy cream is used in the milk mixture to make it extra rich and creamy. It helps to give the cake its smooth, luscious texture as it absorbs into the sponge.

For the Topping:

1. Whipping Cream:
   • Whipping cream is used to create the light and fluffy topping. It has a high fat content, which makes it ideal for whipping into soft peaks.
2. Sugar:
   • Powdered sugar (or granulated sugar) is added to the whipping cream to sweeten the topping. Powdered sugar is preferred as it dissolves more easily in the cream.
3. Vanilla Extract:
   • Just like in the cake, vanilla extract is used in the whipped cream to add flavor and complement the sweetness of the milk and cake.

These ingredients come together to create the distinctive moistness and rich flavor of Tres Leches Cake, making it a beloved dessert for special occasions or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting the flour and baking powder together ensures a lighter, fluffier cake.
3. Whisk eggs and sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 5 large eggs with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes). This process incorporates air into the eggs, which helps make the cake light and airy.
4. Add vanilla extract:
   • Once the egg mixture is fluffy, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the egg mixture in 2-3 portions. Gently fold it in with a spatula or on the lowest setting of your mixer. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake airy.
6. Add milk and butter:
   • In a separate small bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter and combine it with ½ cup of whole milk. Allow it to cool slightly before slowly adding it to the batter. Stir gently until just combined.
7. Pour batter into the pan:
   • Pour the prepared batter into the greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake the cake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and spring back when touched lightly.
9. Cool the cake:
   • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Mixture

1. Combine the milks:
   • In a medium bowl, combine 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk, 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until well mixed and smooth. This will form the milk mixture that makes Tres Leches Cake so moist.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness (optional):
   • Taste the milk mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed. Some prefer a slightly sweeter milk mixture, so feel free to add more sweetened condensed milk if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Poke holes in the cake:
   • Once the cake has cooled completely, use a fork or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will help the milk mixture soak into the cake, creating its signature moist texture.
2. Pour the milk mixture:
   • Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the entire cake. Make sure to pour it gently to ensure the cake absorbs the liquid without becoming too soggy. The cake will absorb most of the liquid, but some might remain on top. Let the cake sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up the milk.
3. Refrigerate:
   • Once the cake has absorbed the milk mixture, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer the cake sits, the more flavorful and moister it will be.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Whip the cream:
   • In a chilled mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to whip the cream until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Spread the whipped cream:
   • Once the cake has fully absorbed the milk mixture and chilled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula. Smooth it out for a neat appearance.
2. Optional Garnishes:
   • Garnish the cake with fresh fruit such as strawberries, mango slices, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. These add flavor and a pop of color, making the cake look even more inviting.
3. Serve:
   • Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this rich, decadent dessert with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a light dessert wine.

Enjoy your homemade Tres Leches Cake!

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Tres Leches Cake turns out perfectly:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:

• Make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps them combine more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and better texture.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter:

• Once you add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake rather than a light, airy texture.

3. Properly Poke Holes in the Cake:

• When you poke holes in the cake, be sure to go deep enough so the milk mixture can fully soak into the cake, but avoid poking all the way to the bottom. Use a fork or skewer and gently create a grid pattern across the surface.

4. Let the Cake Cool Completely:

• Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before pouring the milk mixture on it. If the cake is too hot, it will soak up the liquid too quickly, and you may end up with soggy sections.

5. Refrigerate for Optimal Results:

• For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours (overnight is even better). This allows the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture, making it even more moist and flavorful.

6. Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks:

• When preparing the whipped cream topping, make sure to whip it until stiff peaks form. This gives the topping its airy and creamy texture. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn into butter.

7. Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste:

• If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the milk mixture. Taste it as you go and add more to suit your preference.

8. Add Flavor Variations:

• Consider adding flavor variations like a splash of rum or cinnamon in the milk mixture for a unique twist. You could also incorporate fruit such as strawberries or mangoes as a topping or mixed into the milk mixture.

9. Make Ahead for Special Occasions:

• Tres Leches Cake is a great make-ahead dessert. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more flavorful it becomes, making it a perfect dessert for parties or gatherings.

10. Use a Cake with Good Absorbency:

• For the best result, make sure to use a sponge-like cake or a soft, light cake that can absorb the milk mixture without falling apart. This is why Tres Leches is traditionally made with a light cake like a chiffon or sponge cake.

These tips will help you achieve the perfect Tres Leches Cake with a rich, moist texture and a delightful creamy topping!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tres Leches Cake is a delicious, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its signature moist texture, created by the three types of milk in the soaking mixture, offers a rich and flavorful experience with every bite. The light, fluffy cake combined with the creamy whipped topping makes it a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just as a treat for family and friends, this dessert will undoubtedly become a favorite.

The process of making Tres Leches Cake might seem intricate, but the results are well worth the effort. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a cake that’s both decadent and refreshing. The key lies in letting the cake soak up the milk mixture properly, giving it that perfect texture and ensuring it’s bursting with flavor. The addition of whipped cream on top provides the ideal finishing touch, lightening the richness of the cake while adding a smooth, airy texture.

This recipe is versatile and can be customized with different flavorings, fruits, o