Tres Leches Cake

There’s something magical about a Tres Leches Cake. Growing up, this cake was the centerpiece of every family celebration, from birthdays to graduations. The moment you sink your fork into the light, fluffy layers, you’re greeted by the sweet, creamy goodness that fills each bite. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey back to warm gatherings and laughter shared with friends and family. My first attempt at making a Tres Leches Cake was a delightful experience, watching the simple ingredients transform into something so luxurious and indulgent. I can still remember the heavenly aroma of the cake baking in the oven, filling my kitchen with warmth and excitement. The secret lies in the three types of milk that soak into the cake, creating a moist and rich texture that’s simply irresistible.

What’s In This Tres Leches Cake

The ingredients in this Tres Leches Cake work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The main components include a moist cake base, a trio of milks, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. Each ingredient plays a vital role, ensuring that the cake comes out perfectly every time.

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups
  This forms the base of the cake, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
  This leavening agent helps the cake rise, contributing to its fluffy texture.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
  A pinch of salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Eggs: 8
  Eggs provide richness and stability to the cake, helping it hold its moisture.
• Sugar: 1 ½ cups
  Sweetness is crucial in a Tres Leches Cake, and sugar adds to the delightful flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: ¾ cup
  This keeps the cake moist and tender, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
• Evaporated Milk: 12 oz can
  One of the three milks, providing creaminess and richness to the cake.
• Condensed Sweetened Milk: 12 oz can
  This sweet milk adds a luscious flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup
  This is whipped and spread on top, adding an airy texture that complements the dense cake.
• Cinnamon, Cocoa Powder, and Berries: for optional garnish

Preparation Steps for Tres Leches Cake

Making a Tres Leches Cake is an enjoyable process that invites you into the world of baking. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a wonderful dessert that will impress anyone!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and rise perfectly.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and removes any lumps, creating a smoother batter.
3. In another bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, mix on high speed for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. You want it to double in size and turn a pale yellow.
4. While mixing on high speed, slowly pour in the vegetable oil and continue mixing until well combined.
5. Remove the mixing bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients in two batches using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you just want everything combined.
6. Transfer the batter to a greased 13×9 casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, allow the pan to cool completely to room temperature. This is essential because you want to add the milk mixture without it being too hot.
8. Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream until fully combined. This rich mixture will soak into the cake.
9. Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to pierce it all over, allowing the soaking mixture to penetrate the cake deeply. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake and let it sit until fully absorbed, which usually takes about an hour.
10. Top the cake with whipped cream and spread it evenly. For an optional garnish, dust the top with cinnamon and cocoa powder, and serve with fresh berries.

Recipe Notes about Tres Leches Cake

Here are some useful tips to ensure your Tres Leches Cake turns out perfect every time.

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare this cake up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
• Thawing: If frozen, allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator for one day before serving for the best texture.
• Whipped Cream Tips: If you prefer a firmer topping, you can use stabilized whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair your Tres Leches Cake with fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Texture Check: A well-made cake will feel firm but not dry; it should spring back when lightly pressed.

Serving Options for Tres Leches Cake

When it comes to serving your Tres Leches Cake, there are so many delightful options to consider:

• Fresh Fruits: Serve with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor.
• Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream to complement the cake’s sweetness.
• Occasion: This cake is perfect for celebrations, making it a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
• Coffee Pairing: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a latte for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Festive Garnish: Consider topping the cake with edible flowers or additional whipped cream for special occasions.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Tres Leches Cake is truly a dessert that brings joy and comfort to any table. Its unique blend of three milks creates a moist, flavorful experience that is simply unforgettable. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cake holds such a special place in the hearts of so many.

Tres Leches Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Tres Leches Cake is a creamy and indulgent dessert that promises to satisfy your cravings. With its rich three-milk soak and fluffy whipped cream topping, each slice is a delightful experience. This easy recipe will have you baking this crowd-pleaser tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Desserts

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 16 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 8 large Eggs
• 1 ½ cups Sugar
• ¾ cup Vegetable Oil
• 12 oz Evaporated Milk
• 12 oz Condensed Sweetened Milk
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 recipe Whipped Cream
• to taste Cinnamon, Cocoa Powder, and Berries for optional garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and rise perfectly.
• In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and removes any lumps, creating a smoother batter.
• In another bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, mix on high speed for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. You want it to double in size and turn a pale yellow.
• While mixing on high speed, slowly pour in the vegetable oil and continue mixing until well combined.
• Remove the mixing bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients in two batches using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you just want everything combined.
• Transfer the batter to a greased 13x9 casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, allow the pan to cool completely to room temperature. This is essential because you want to add the milk mixture without it being too hot.
• Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream until fully combined. This rich mixture will soak into the cake.
• Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to pierce it all over, allowing the soaking mixture to penetrate the cake deeply. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake and let it sit until fully absorbed, which usually takes about an hour.
• Top the cake with whipped cream and spread it evenly. For an optional garnish, dust the top with cinnamon and cocoa powder, and serve with fresh berries.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare this cake up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
• Thawing: If frozen, allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator for one day before serving for the best texture.
• Whipped Cream Tips: If you prefer a firmer topping, you can use stabilized whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair your Tres Leches Cake with fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Texture Check: A well-made cake will feel firm but not dry; it should spring back when lightly pressed.

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