Tres Leches Cake

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Tres Leches Cake is a Mexican dessert made with a simple sponge cake that gets soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk. After soaking up all that milky goodness, it's topped with whipped cream and sometimes fruits. It's a sweet and moist treat that's popular for celebrations.

This cake is like a sponge soaking up a milky bath – three kinds of milk, to be exact. After it drinks it all in, it gets a fluffy crown of whipped cream on top. It's a go-to for celebrations, making every bite a creamy, not-too-sweet experience.

For more easy delicious cake recipes try my Vanilla cake without eggs, milk, butter-one pan recipe, Lemon custard cake and Japanese Strawberry Shortcake.

Ingredients

For the cake

Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture. I used all purpose flour.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that adds a light and airy texture to the cake, helping it rise during baking

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake by balancing the sweetness and bringing out other taste elements.

Egg: yolk and whites separated

Sugar: Sweetens the cake and is used both in the cake batter and in the egg whites for stability and structure.

Vanilla extract:

Whole milk:

For the Milk Mixture:

Evaporated Milk (12-ounce can): Adds creaminess and richness to the soaking mixture, making the cake moist.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (14-ounce can): Provides sweetness and thickness to the soaking mixture, creating a sweet and flavorful profile.
Whole Milk : Adds additional moisture to the soaking mixture, enhancing the cake's overall texture.

For the Frosting:

Heavy Cream : Forms the base of the frosting, creating a rich and velvety texture.
Sugar : Sweetens the frosting to balance its richness, ensuring a delightful sweetness.
Vanilla Extract : Enhances the flavor of the frosting with its warm and aromatic profile.

How to make tres leches cake

Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly spray a 9x13 baking pan with a cooking spray.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until creamy and pale, then add vanilla extract and milk and beat until combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture. Mix until smooth.

In another clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites with ¼ cup of sugar until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter.

Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake for 28-30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Milk Mixture:

In a separate bowl, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Mix well.
Once the cake is cooled, poke it all over with a fork or skewer. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Make the Frosting:

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake, creating a smooth and creamy layer.
Refrigerate the cake for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the moist and flavorful Tres Leches Cake.

Helpful tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and dairy ingredients to come to room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a more even and smoother batter.
Whipping Egg Whites: When whipping egg whites, make sure your bowl and beaters are clean and dry. Any grease or moisture can hinder the egg whites from reaching stiff peaks.
Gentle Folding: When incorporating whipped egg whites into the batter, use a gentle folding motion to maintain the fluffiness. This ensures a light and airy texture in the final cake.
Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cake while it's baking. Over-baking can lead to a dry cake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Soaking the Cake: After baking, allow the cake to cool for a bit before poking it with a fork or skewer for the milk mixture. This helps the cake absorb the liquid evenly without collapsing.
Chill Before Frosting: Before applying the whipped cream frosting, make sure the cake is thoroughly chilled. This makes it easier to spread the frosting and ensures a firmer texture.
Overnight Refrigeration: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the Tres Leches Cake for several hours or overnight. This allows the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture and enhances its overall moistness.
Fresh Toppings: If you're adding fruits or other toppings, do so just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Serve Chilled: Tres Leches Cake is best enjoyed when served cold. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a deliciously moist and refreshing dessert.

Faqs

What is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres Leches Cake is a traditional Mexican dessert made with a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three milks (evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk). It is topped with whipped cream and often garnished with fruits.

Why is it called Tres Leches?

"Tres Leches" translates to "Three Milks" in English, referring to the three types of milk used to soak the cake.

Can I make Tres Leches Cake in advance?

Yes, Tres Leches Cake can be made in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better when allowed to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, allowing the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.

How do I store Tres Leches Cake?

Store Tres Leches Cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It's best enjoyed cold.

Can I freeze Tres Leches Cake?

It's not recommended to freeze Tres Leches Cake as the texture may be affected. The moisture from the milk soaking might cause the cake to become soggy upon thawing.

What can I use if I don't have evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk?

If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use whole milk. For sweetened condensed milk, you can try making a homemade version by simmering equal parts of sugar and whole milk until it reduces and thickens.

Can I make Tres Leches Cake without eggs?

While traditional Tres Leches Cake recipes often include eggs, you can find eggless variations using substitutes like yogurt, or commercial egg replacers.

Storage tip

To keep your Tres Leches Cake fresh and delicious, store it in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the cake from absorbing any odors. This will also help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. Enjoy the cake within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture. If you've decorated the cake with fresh fruits, it's advisable to add them just before serving to maintain their freshness.