Description
Tres Leches Cake is an ultra-light, spongy cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture, topped with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. This traditional Mexican dessert is rich, moist, and absolutely delicious – perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (6 g)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (200 g)
- 1/3 cup whole milk (80 ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (354 ml)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (396 ml)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (60 ml)
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream (475 ml)
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar (24 g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
- Ground cinnamon, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In separate bowls, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale yellow. Add milk and vanilla, then gently fold into the flour mixture.
- Use electric beaters to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth into an even layer and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- In a small bowl, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke holes in the cake, then slowly pour the milk mixture over it, ensuring it soaks into the holes.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the soaked cake.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve with fresh sliced strawberries if desired. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can prepare this cake 1-2 days in advance. The cake absorbs the milk mixture best when it sits overnight. Freezing Instructions: Freeze the baked and cooled cake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before pouring the milk mixture.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican