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Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Tres Leches Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mexican tres leches cake delivers pure creamy indulgence with its milk-soaked sponge and silky whipped topping. Sweet layers of vanilla-infused magic melt in your mouth, offering a classic dessert that transports you to Latin American culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main ingredients:

  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sugar

Liquid ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 14 ounces (396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) evaporated milk
  • 4 cups whipped cream

Leavening and spice ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. Sift flour, baking powder, and baking soda together in a medium mixing vessel, setting the dry mixture aside for later incorporation.
  3. Utilize a stand mixer to transform egg whites into a sturdy, peaked texture by whipping on medium-high speed until peaks maintain their form when the whisk is lifted.
  4. Transfer the voluminous egg whites to a separate clean container, then employ the same mixer bowl to cream butter and sugar until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency.
  5. Introduce egg yolks individually into the butter blend, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract and whole milk, mixing until a uniform texture emerges.
  6. Gradually fold the reserved flour mixture into the liquid ingredients, maintaining a delicate touch to preserve the mixture’s airiness.
  7. Carefully merge the batter with the previously whipped egg whites, creating a homogeneous mixture that maintains its delicate structure.
  8. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and slide into the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until a testing utensil emerges clean when inserted.
  9. During baking, craft the signature milk infusion by whisking heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk in a spacious bowl.
  10. Once removed from the oven, perforate the cake’s surface extensively using a fork, then methodically pour the milk mixture, ensuring complete and even absorption.
  11. Refrigerate the saturated cake for a minimum of 3-4 hours, allowing the milk to thoroughly permeate the sponge.
  12. Prior to serving, adorn the cake with a luxurious layer of whipped cream and dust with ground cinnamon for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Transform a classic sponge cake into a decadent dessert that soaks up three types of milk for an incredibly moist and rich experience.
  • Whip egg whites separately to create an incredibly light and airy cake texture that perfectly absorbs the creamy milk mixture.
  • Refrigerate the cake for at least 3-4 hours to allow the milk to fully penetrate and create a lusciously soft, pudding-like consistency.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and optimal cake volume, especially with eggs and butter.
  • Poke multiple holes in the warm cake with a fork to help the milk mixture evenly distribute and completely saturate every inch.
  • Garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon just before serving to add a warm, aromatic finish that complements the sweet, creamy cake.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg