Traditional Tres Leches
Discover how to make the classic Traditional Tres Leches Cake with our easy-to-follow recipe. This beloved dessert features a light and fluffy sponge soaked in a rich blend of three milks, topped with a velvety whipped cream. Perfect for celebrations or a comforting treat, this recipe ensures a moist and irresistible cake every time. Dive into the creamy goodness of Traditional Tres Leches Cake and bring a piece of culinary tradition to your table.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish (best for even soaking and baking)
- Mixing bowls (one large for batter, one for whipping egg whites, and one for the milk mixture)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (for whipping egg whites and making whipped cream)
- Whisk (for mixing dry ingredients and combining batter gently)
- Rubber spatula (for folding egg whites and scraping batter from bowls)
- Measuring cups and spoons (to ensure precise ingredient ratios)
- Sifter (for aerating flour and ensuring a light, fluffy cake texture)
- Toothpick or cake tester (to check if the cake is baked through)
- Cooling rack (to allow air circulation and prevent a soggy bottom)
- Fork, skewer, or toothpick (to poke holes for even milk absorption)
- Ladle or measuring cup (for evenly pouring the milk mixture over the cake)
- Chilled mixing bowl & beaters (to help the heavy cream whip properly)
- Piping bag & star tip (for decorating, optional)
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for smoothing the whipped cream topping)
- Sharp knife (for cutting clean, even slices)
- Plastic wrap or airtight container (to store the cake in the fridge)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 can 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
For the Topping:
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries or fruit slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Separate Eggs: Place egg whites in one bowl and yolks in another.
- Beat Egg Yolks: Add 3/4 cup sugar to the yolks and beat until pale yellow. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the yolk mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Whip Egg Whites: Beat egg whites on high speed. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Incorporate Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Prepare the Milk Mixture:
- In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Warm over medium heat until well blended, then remove from heat.
3. Soak the Cake:
- Cool the Cake: Allow the baked cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Poke Holes: Using a fork, skewer, or toothpick, pierce the surface of the cake thoroughly to allow the milk mixture to seep in.
- Add Milk Mixture: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the entire cake, ensuring even coverage.
- Refrigerate: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the liquid fully.
4. Prepare the Topping:
- Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
- Garnish: Lightly dust with ground cinnamon and add fresh berries or fruit slices if desired.
5. Serve:
- Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the rich, moist texture and delightful sweetness of this classic dessert.
Notes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Tres Leches Cake is an excellent dessert to prepare in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight enhances its flavor and texture.- Make-Ahead: Prepare the cake and soak it with the milk mixture the day before serving. Add the whipped cream topping just before serving to maintain its freshness.
- Storage: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, but it's best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal taste and texture.