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Tres Leches Cake is a light and airy sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk or heavy cream. This traditional Latin American dessert is moist, rich, and absolutely delicious, perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a creamy, indulgent treat.

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Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 5  eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups whole milk

For the Milk Mixture:

  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions for Tres Leches Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Make the Cake Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the 5 eggs and 2 cups of white sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. This will create the structure and airiness for the cake.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1½ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Stir in the ½ cup melted butter and 2 cups of whole milk until fully incorporated.

3. Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

4. Prepare the Milk Mixture

  • While the cake is cooling, combine the 12 ounces evaporated milk, 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract in a large bowl. Whisk until well blended.

5. Soak the Cake

  • Using a fork or a skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake to allow the milk mixture to seep in.
  • Slowly pour the milk mixture over the entire cake, making sure it soaks in evenly. The cake will absorb the liquid, creating its signature moist texture.

6. Chill the Cake

  • Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the cake to absorb all of the milk mixture and become super moist.

7. Make the Whipped Cream Topping

  • In a large bowl, beat the 1½ cups heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar (optional) until soft peaks form. This will be the fluffy topping for your tres leches cake.

8. Top and Serve

  • Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cake. Slice the cake and serve cold. You can garnish with fresh fruit or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

  • Chill Time: Letting the cake chill for several hours or overnight is key to achieving the perfect texture. This allows the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.
  • Whipped Cream Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter topping, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the heavy cream when whipping it. The cake itself is sweet, so adjust according to your taste.
  • Poking Holes: Be sure to poke plenty of holes in the cake so the milk mixture can soak through evenly.

Variations for Tres Leches Cake

1. Coconut Tres Leches

  • Replace 1 cup of the whole milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. Top the cake with toasted coconut flakes.

2. Chocolate Tres Leches

  • Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate version of this classic dessert. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream topping.

3. Dulce de Leche Tres Leches

  • Drizzle dulce de leche over the top of the whipped cream for an extra sweet and rich version of the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is even better when made a day in advance. The longer it sits, the more the milk mixture is absorbed, making it extra moist and flavorful. Just wait to add the whipped cream topping until right before serving.

2. How do I store tres leches cake?

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The cake is best served cold.

3. Can I freeze tres leches cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the whipped cream topping. Wrap the soaked cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and add the whipped cream before serving.

A Deliciously Moist Cake with Creamy Goodness

Tres Leches  Cake is a beloved dessert for a reason—it’s light, rich, and incredibly moist. With three types of milk soaking into a soft sponge cake, this dessert is the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just to enjoy at home, it’s sure to impress!