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Tres Leches Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

This classic Tres Leches Cake is a moist and rich sponge cake soaked in a luscious mixture of three milks: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Topped with a fluffy homemade whipped cream frosting, this dessert is a perfect blend of sweetness and creaminess, ideal for gatherings or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs (divided)
  • 1 cup white sugar (divided)
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk

Milk Soaking Mixture

  • ⅔ cup whole milk
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the cake batter.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing well with a fork to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
  3. Prepare Egg Yolks Mixture: Separate the egg yolks from the whites. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of white sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale.
  4. Add Vanilla: Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the yolk mixture for flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, stirring gently to combine without deflating the mixture.
  6. Add Milk: Stir in 1/2 cup of milk to the batter to achieve the right consistency.
  7. Beat Egg Whites: Using a mixer, whisk the egg whites until foamy; add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar gradually while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
  8. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until just combined, preserving the airiness.
  9. Bake Cake: Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan, pour in the batter and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Prepare Milk Soaking Mixture: In a large measuring cup, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.
  11. Soak Cake: Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, poke holes all over the surface with a fork, then slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb.
  12. Chill Cake: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and cake soak thoroughly.
  13. Make Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy cream on medium speed until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat on medium-high until soft peaks form.
  14. Frost Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake using a spatula or butter knife.
  15. Serve: Optionally sprinkle cinnamon or garnish with fresh fruit before serving to enhance presentation and taste.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature before starting to achieve better volume.
  • Use a fork or skewer to poke holes gently without breaking the cake apart.
  • Chilling the cake overnight improves flavor and texture.
  • Fresh cinnamon or fruit garnish adds a nice touch but is optional.
  • Use a hand or stand mixer for best results when whipping egg whites and cream.

Keywords: Tres Leches Cake, tres leche cake recipe, milk soaked cake, Latin American dessert, sponge cake dessert, homemade tres leches, easy tres leches cake

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/tres-leches-cake-recipe/