Delectable Tres Leches Cake Recipe: Perfect for Any Occasion
Welcome, folks! If you’re searching for a cake that will make your taste buds dance and your friends swoon with delight, then look no further than the Tres Leches Cake recipe made famous by Show Me the Curry. This Mexican dessert has become an American staple, and for good reason – it’s creamy, sweet, and soaked in three milks, ensuring every bite is moist and full of flavor.
As a chef who loves to experiment with different cuisines, I was a bit skeptical about trying this recipe at first. However, after tasting the final product, I was left impressed and eager to share this recipe with everyone. This cake is versatile enough to be served at a fancy dinner party or enjoyed as a birthday cake. Trust me; your guests will fall in love with this dessert.
This Tres Leches Cake recipe is not just any ordinary one. The version we’ll be cooking today is extra special since it uses both heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk as part of its cake mixture. Additionally, the cake is spongy and light, making it easy to absorb the milk mixture without losing its structure.
Whether you are an experienced pastry chef or someone who enjoys baking for the family over the weekend, this Tres Leches Cake recipe is straightforward to follow with little need for complicated techniques. Using simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, milk products, eggs and vanilla extract which can easily be found in any grocery store.
So let’s roll up our sleeves and start creating one of the most famous Mexican desserts out there – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear foodies, if you are looking for a dessert recipe that is going to knock your socks off, then you have come to the right place! I want to tell you all about the delicious tres leches cake recipe from Show Me the Curry which will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Firstly, let me explain what makes this cake so special. Tres leches means ‘three milks’ in Spanish, and it refers to the cake being made with not just one, but three different types of milk – heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. This unique combination of milks gives the cake its signature creamy texture and irresistible sweetness which will leave you wanting more.
Secondly, this cake is extremely versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can choose to top it with whipped cream or fresh fruit to add a pop of color and flavor. You can also experiment with different flavors such as eggnog or rose milk for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Moreover, this cake is incredibly easy to make and requires only basic ingredients that are easily available at any grocery store. Even if you are not an expert in baking, you can master this recipe by following the simple step-by-step instructions provided.
Lastly, this cake is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering or just a special dessert for yourself after a long day. It is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress even the toughest critics.
To sum it up, Show Me the Curry’s tres leches cake recipe combines the perfect blend of sweetness, creaminess and versatility all in one dish. It is easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family. Do yourself a favor and try it out today!
Ingredient List
Before you get to soaking your sponge cake in the tres leches mixture, it’s best to prepare and measure out all of your ingredients beforehand. Trust me, this will ease the process of putting everything together and help avoid any mistakes along the way. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp. Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 4 Eggs (room temperature recommended)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1/3 cup Whole Milk
For the Tres Leches Mixture:
– 1 can (14 oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk
– 1 can (12 oz.) Evaporated Milk
– 1 1/4 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (+ extra for topping)
– 1/4 cup Cold water
The Recipe How-To
Now comes my favorite part, the recipe how-to. Making tres leches cake is quite simple, and you will be amazed at how a few ingredients can create such a scrumptious dessert.
Ingredient Preparation
Before we begin, let us first prepare our ingredients. We need to separate six eggs, with the yolks going in one bowl and the whites in another. Sift together one cup of all-purpose flour, one and a half teaspoons of baking powder, and a quarter teaspoon salt in a different bowl.
Cake Batter
Next, let’s make the cake batter. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with three-fourths cup of sugar until pale yellow. Add in one-third cup of cold water and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix well. Slowly add in the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt) and mix until just combined.
Egg Whites
Now it’s time to whisk the egg whites. Whisk the egg whites with an electric mixture until soft peaks form. Gradually add in one-fourth cup of sugar while whisking until stiff peaks form.
Combining the two mixtures
Carefully fold the egg white mixture into the cake batter mixture, stirring until no white streaks are left in it. Pour this into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Baking
Bake for about 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until fully cooked through.
Tres Leches Mixture Preparation
While the cake is baking, let’s prepare our tres leches mixture! In a mixing bowl, combine one can of sweetened condensed milk, one can of evaporated milk, one cup of heavy whipping cream, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Once your cake is done baking and has cooled for about 10 to 15 minutes, poke holes into the top of the cake with a fork or toothpick.
Soaking the Cake
Next, gently pour the tres leches mixture over the cake in small increments at a time. Give it time to soak in before adding more. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used up.
Let it Rest
Now, place your cake in the fridge for at least an hour to allow it to fully absorb all that yummy tres leches mixture.
And just like that, you have made a delicious and sweet tres leches cake. This is one of my favorite desserts to make and I’m sure it will quickly become a favorite in your home too.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some variations and substitutions for this Tres Leches Cake recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own twist to this classic dessert!
– You can use a yellow cake mix instead of making the sponge cake from scratch. Just follow the instructions on the box and then soak the cake in the milk mixture.
– For an extra festive touch, you can add some eggnog to the milk mixture, especially during the holiday season.
– If you’re looking for an eggless version of this Tres Leches Cake, try substituting the eggs with egg replacers or applesauce.
– For a unique and delicious twist, you can try making a Rose Milk Tres Leches Cake by substituting some of the regular milk with rose-flavored milk.
– If you prefer coconut over vanilla, try substituting some of the milk mixture with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Remember that every substitution or variation you make may affect the texture and flavor of the cake. Make sure to keep track of your changes so you can adjust accordingly next time around.
Serving and Pairing
Now, let’s talk about how to serve and pair this decadent Tres Leches Cake. This Mexican dessert is best served chilled, so make sure to let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving. This will allow all the tres leches milk mixture to fully soak into the cake, giving it that creamy texture and rich taste.
To add a bit of extra flavor and texture, you can also sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the cake before serving. This complements the sweet and creamy flavors of the tres leches perfectly.
Pairing-wise, this cake goes amazingly well with a fresh cup of coffee or espresso. The bitter notes of the coffee provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake, balancing out the flavors nicely.
If you’re looking for something stronger, you could also pair this cake with some dessert wine or dark rum. The deep and slightly spicy flavors of these spirits are a great complement to the rich and creamy texture of this dessert.
Overall, this Tres Leches Cake is a versatile dessert that can be paired with a variety of different beverages. Just make sure you have a cold glass of milk on hand – you’ll need it to wash down all that sweetness!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Folks, I know how it feels when you’ve got a hankering for some dessert but don’t have the time or energy to make it fresh every day. Lucky for you, this Tres Leches Cake recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for several days!
Now, when preparing this milk-soaked cake creamy goodness ahead of time, be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to avoid any moisture from escaping or getting in.
To store leftovers of my Tres Leches Cake Recipe, keep them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. This cake does need time to chill and soak up those three fabulous milks, so allow at least a few hours before serving. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
Need to reheat your leftover cake? No sweat! Simply pop a slice into the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place it in a preheated oven around 350°F for five to eight minutes. Remember not to overheat the cake and let it sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before serving.
If you want to cut down on prep time next time around, consider making double the amount of Tres Leches Cake Recipe! This way, you will have plenty of cake on hand for later events or unexpected guests. My advice is to enjoy the leftovers with your favorite cup of coffee or tea – nothing beats this heavenly treat on a lazy afternoon!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Tres Leches cake, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure perfect results that will have you coming back for seconds or thirds. As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I have some great tips to share.
1. Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients can make or break the success of this recipe. I highly recommend using high-quality heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk for the milk mixture. Fresh eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla extract should also be used.
2. Let the cake cool completely before soaking it: It’s important to let the sponge cake cool completely before pouring the milk mixture over it. This will prevent the cake from becoming too soggy and falling apart.
3. Poke holes in the cake before soaking it: You want to make sure that the milk mixture penetrates the cake evenly. To do this, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake before pouring the milk mixture on top.
4. Soak the cake slowly: Pour the milk mixture over the cake slowly and allow it to soak in for about 10 minutes before pouring more on top.
5. Chill the cake overnight: Once you’ve poured all of the milk mixture over the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow all of the flavors to meld together and create a deliciously creamy texture.
6. Get creative with toppings: While traditional Tres Leches Cake is served with whipped cream or fresh fruit, you can get creative with your toppings! Try adding shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or various types of nuts for added flavor and texture.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious Tres Leches Cake that’s sure to impress your family and friends at your next event!
FAQ
One thing that can easily frustrate a cook when trying out new recipes is when they experience problems along the way. To prevent that from happening, it’s important to cover all the possible concerns that one may encounter while following the instructions. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that may come up as you are preparing the Tres Leches Cake recipe from Show Me the Curry. Read on for valuable answers and tips that will help make your baking experience a breeze.
Why is my tres leches cake not soaking?
When preparing a tres leches cake, it is essential to ensure proper mixing of the batter. Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to become heavy, dense, and non-absorbent, impairing its ability to soak up the milk mixture. To ensure that the cake is light and airy, avoid overmixing and be sure to poke it thoroughly with a skewer to enhance absorption. If the cake shows signs of not absorbing the milk mixture even after a few hours, it is likely that overmixing has occurred.
What is tres leches frosting made of?
The cake is drenched in a trio of milk types, namely evaporated milk, heavy whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk.
How do you keep tres leches from getting soggy?
For our recipe, we ensure that the cake retains its structure and does not turn mushy once it is drenched in the tres leches mixture. To achieve this, we have adjusted the amount of the three milks by half a cup, which results in the ideal saturation level for the cake without making it soggy.
How long does homemade tres leches cake last in the fridge?
To ensure the best taste and texture of Tres Leches cake, it is recommended to store it in the fridge while covered for about 3-5 days. A great tip to keep in mind is that you can prepare this cake ahead of time, say 1-2 days earlier, so that the cake can fully absorb the milk mixture. Personally, I prefer to make the cake overnight to allow the flavors to blend and intensify.
What’s the difference between tres leches and cuatro leches?
When it comes to irresistible desserts, I can’t get enough of cuatro leches cake. This version of the classic tres leches cake adds a fourth kind of milk – in the form of creamy, sweet caramel or dulce de leche – to make it even more delicious.
Bottom Line
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a deliciously moist and creamy Tres Leches Cake. With its unforgettable flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dessert is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at any event or party. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make!
Give this recipe a try and show your culinary skills. Whether you’re craving something sweet and satisfying on a lazy afternoon or looking for an impressive dessert to bring to a celebration, this Tres Leches Cake is definitely worth adding to your recipe book.
So go ahead and enjoy this classic Mexican dessert, made even better with the addition of Show Me the Curry’s recipe. They say that three is company, but in this case, three milks never tasted so good! Don’t take my word for it- try it out yourself and discover one of the best desserts you will ever taste.
Show Me the Curry’s Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
- 3/4 cup cold water
For the Milks
- 2 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk
- 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 16 ounces heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 325 F/ 162°C.
- 2. Break Eggs into a bowl and whisk till the Eggs are light and fluffy.
- 3. Meanwhile also sift Flour, baking Powder and Salt and keep aside.
- 4. Mix the vanilla to the Cold Water and keep aside.
- 5. Once the Eggs are done, add a little bit of Sugar at a time and keep whisking.
- 6. Then add in the Flour mixture and Vanilla & Water mixture to the Eggs and keep beating.
- 7. Keep adding a little at a time till both the mixtures finish.
- 8. Keep whisking till the batter is smooth and has no lumps.
- 9. Grease and prep a 13X9 inch baking dish.
- 10. Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 45 min in the middle of the oven.
- 11. For the Milks: mix 1 can of Condensed Milk, 1 can of Evaporated Milk and 1 pint of Heavy Cream.
- 12. Insert a toothpick in the middle, if it comes out clean it is done.
- 13. Once baked, while it is still cooling, poke holes in the cake every 1/8th of an inch apart.
- 14. While still hot, pour the Milks over the cake allowing it to seep in through the holes and letting the cake absorb the Milks.
- 15. Cover the cake and refrigerate the cake overnight.
- 16. Next day repeat the process: mix another batch of milks and pour more over the cake.
- 17. Allow the Cake to absorb as much as possible and cover and chill till ready to serve.
- 18. At the time of serving pour a spoon or two of the Milks, top with some Cool Whip and a Strawberry.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.