Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I want to share one of my all-time favorite cake recipes, the Tres Leches Cake. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat!

This cake gets its name from its unique ingredient list. “Tres leches” translates to “three milks” in Spanish, and this cake is soaked in a mixture of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. The result is a moist, dense sponge cake that melts in your mouth with every bite.

I fell in love with Tres Leches Cake during my travels to Latin America, where it is a staple dessert. Over time, I’ve experimented with different variations and ingredients to create a recipe that combines the best of traditional Tres Leches Cake with some American twists.

In this article, I’ll walk you through each step of making this delicious cake. Don’t be intimidated by the soaking process or the lengthy ingredient list – I promise it’s an easy recipe to follow. Plus, there are many substitutions and variations you can try depending on your taste preferences.

So whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a decadent treat to enjoy at home, give this Tres Leches Cake recipe a try. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a cake that is deliciously moist and utterly irresistible? Look no further than this Tres Leches Cake recipe, a classic dessert that gets its name from the three types of milk used to create its ultra-satisfying sponge. Trust me, once you taste this cake, you won’t be able to resist a second (or third) helping.

So why will you absolutely adore this cake recipe? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make – just blend together the ingredients, bake and drizzle with the milk mixture. Plus, it’s versatile, which means you can add your own unique twist depending on your preferences. Are you a chocolate lover? Add some cocoa powder to the mix! Want something fruity? Layer on some fresh strawberries or raspberries. The possibilities are endless.

But what really sets this cake apart is its incredible moistness, thanks to the combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Each bite of sponge cake is soaked in this decadent mixture of milks, making it absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And let’s not forget about the whipped cream topping – it’s the perfect finishing touch that adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the rich flavors.

In short, this Tres Leches Cake recipe is much more than just your average cake – it’s a mouthwatering dessert that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it up after dinner or enjoying it as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea, this recipe is sure to become an instant favorite among all who try it. Don’t believe me? Give it a try yourself and prepare to be amazed by its incredible taste and texture.

Ingredient List

Let’s dive into the ingredients that you’ll need to make this delicious Tres Leches Cake. Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy ingredients that are hard to find. All you need is some basic pantry staples and three kinds of milk (yes, really!). Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

6 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk

Milk Mixture:

12 oz can evaporated milk
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup whole milk

Whipped Cream Topping:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to gather all of your ingredients before getting started!

The Recipe How-To

Three types of milk, one delicious cake!

Now that you are ready to create an ultra moist tres leches cake, let’s get started with the recipe!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter.

In a large bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

In a separate bowl, using a whisk or electric mixer, beat 6 large eggs at high speed until they become foamy. Gradually add in 1 cup of sugar and continue whisking until the mixture is creamy and light yellow in color.

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the egg mixture and whisk well.

Next, using a sifter or mesh strainer, add the flour mixture into the egg batter in three parts. Mix slowly until everything is blended together.

Pour the cake mix into the greased pan and spread it evenly. Place in the oven for approximately 22-25 minutes until golden brown.

Once you remove the cake from the oven, use a fork or toothpick to poke holes throughout the cake. This step allows for the milk mixture to be easily absorbed by the cake.

For the milk mixture, mix together one can of evaporated milk, one can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup of whole milk in another bowl. Then pour this three-milk mixture over your cake while making sure it gets soaked up through all of those little fork holes. Let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours.

Spread some whipped cream over your tres leches cake as frosting when you’re ready to serve!

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to add a unique twist to your Tres Leches cake? Don’t be afraid to experiment with these substitution and variation ideas!

– Layered Cake: Instead of making a single cake, try making a layered Tres Leches cake. Simply prepare two cakes and layer them on top of one another with whipped cream in between each layer.

– Different Flavors: While the original Tres Leches Cake is made with vanilla extract, you can also try adding other flavors such as mocha or coconut extract for a different spin on this classic dessert.

– Eggless: For a vegan twist on this recipe, substitute the eggs with mashed bananas or apple sauce – this will make your cake denser but just as delicious.

– Fruit-additions: For an added burst of freshness, try topping your Tres Leches cake with fresh strawberries or other fruits like mangoes or banana slices.

– Cost-effective version: This cake can be quite pricey, especially if you use high quality milk. If cost is an issue, try substituting the heavy whipping cream for half-and-half, and use regular milk instead of whole milk. You can also swap out the sweetened condensed milk for sweetened condensed coconut milk for a unique tropical twist.

No matter which variation you choose to try, don’t forget to enjoy your creativity through every step of the baking process.

Serving and Pairing

Once you’ve created the ultimate Tres Leches Cake, there’s nothing left to do but serve it and enjoy its sweet and moist goodness! I always recommend having this cake chilled from the refrigerator or after being stored for a sufficient amount of time. The lower temperature adds a nice contrast with the cake’s sponginess.

This dessert serves as an excellent final course at any dinner party or get-together. I love to pair this cake with fresh berry compote and delicate whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence experience. You can also try adding sliced fruit such as banana, strawberry, or mango for a refreshing take on an already sweet treat.

If you’re feeling experimental with your tastes, why not try pairing this cake with some champagne? The bubbles of the champagne will balance out the richness of the cake, creating a harmonious flavor combination.

And don’t forget about coffee! The rich coffee flavor works wonders against the sweet notes in Tres Leches Cake. So brew a cup of your favorite roast and let yourself indulge in every bite.

So there you have it – my tips and recommendations for serving and pairing your Tres Leches Cake. Whether you opt for classic fruit toppings or something more daring like champagne or coffee, this cake is sure to be a hit for all occasions!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Looking for a make-ahead dessert to serve at your next party or gathering? Look no further, because this Tres Leches Cake recipe has got you covered. This cake can be made several days in advance of serving, which makes it the perfect dessert for busy hosts.

When preparing the cake ahead of time, be sure to allow it to cool completely before storing it. Once cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This will help the cake absorb the milk mixture, making it extra moist and delicious.

To reheat the cake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds to warm them up.

If you have leftover cake after your event, store it covered in the fridge. It will continue to absorb the milk mixture and develop even more flavor over time. Keep in mind that this cake is best within 2-3 days of making it.

Overall, this Tres Leches Cake recipe is the perfect make-ahead dessert that is sure to impress your guests with its light and fluffy texture and sweet milky flavor.

Tips for Perfect Results

Tres leches cake is a delicate dessert that requires extra attention to detail to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. To help you bake a flawless tres leches cake, I have put together a comprehensive list of valuable tips and tricks that I personally use every time I make this cake.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best cake texture, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix them together. This includes eggs, milk, and butter. Using cold ingredients could result in a lumpy batter and an unevenly baked cake.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

While it’s tempting to keep mixing the batter to make it smooth, overmixing can ruin the texture of your cake. Stop mixing once you’ve incorporated all the ingredients, giving it enough time for them to meld but not too much that they break up or react too much with each other.

3. Let the Cake Cool Completely

Before pouring over the milk mixture, make sure to let the cake cool completely so that it can absorb all of the liquid without becoming soggy or falling apart.

4. Poke Holes Generously

When poking holes in the cake with a fork or toothpick, don’t be afraid to get generous! The more holes you poke into your sponge cake, the better it will be able to soak up all of that sweet milk mixture.

5. Soak Your Cake Overnight

Although a couple of hours in the fridge should suffice, soaking your tres leches cake overnight helps to create a moister and more flavorful result.

6. Get Creative with Toppings

Get creative when adding toppings such as whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate shavings on top of your tres leches cake.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful tres leches cake every time.

FAQ

Now that we have covered the tips and tricks for perfecting your tres leches cake, it’s time to address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this delicious dessert. It’s common to have questions when trying out a new recipe, so don’t worry! I have got you covered. From how to make it eggless to suggestions on flavor variations, let’s dive into the most pressing queries surrounding tres leches cakes.

What is 3 milk cake made of?

This dessert is commonly referred to as tres leches cake, a popular Mexican sheet cake that boasts a delectably moist texture. Filled with a combination of whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk, the cake is elevated by a generous serving of whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

What is tres leches frosting made of?

This recipe involves a tantalizing combination of three distinct types of milk, which are applied generously over the cake. These milks include evaporated milk, heavy whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk.

What milk is tres leches made of?

One technique used to make Tres Leches Cake involves poking holes in the baked cake and pouring over a blend of three types of milk – evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. This is how the cake gets its name, “tres leches.”

Why is my tres leches cake not soaking?

When preparing your tres leches cake, if you find that it has not absorbed the milk mixture even after a few hours, one possible reason for this could be the overmixing of the batter. This can cause the cake to lose its light and fluffy texture, resulting in a heavy and dense consistency that is resistant to absorbing the milk. To address this issue, make sure to poke the cake thoroughly with a skewer to help it absorb the liquid mixture better.

Bottom Line

And voilà, that’s how we make a delicious Tres Leches Cake!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe and will give it a try. The unique blend of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk results in a moist and ultra-delicious cake that will keep you coming back for more. Trust me; one slice won’t be enough.

And don’t forget, this cake is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet. With so many variations and serving options available, the Tres Leches Cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

So next time you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, spongey, and delicious, give this Tres Leches Cake recipe a go. Who knows, maybe it will become your next go-to dessert for any occasion. Thank you for reading, and happy baking!

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About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

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.

Perfect Tres Leches Cake: A Rich Delight!