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Tres Leches Cake

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!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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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