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Tres Leches Cake

tres leches cake recipe - featured image

A soft, luscious tres leches cake with an airy sponge soaked in a creamy milk mixture and topped with freshly whipped cream. This easy recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly and set aside.
  2. Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk 5 egg yolks with 3/4 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed until pale yellow and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1/3 cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  4. Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the egg yolk batter using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
  5. In a separate clean bowl, beat 5 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in three additions, using a spatula to keep as much air as possible.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  8. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup whole milk until smooth.
  9. Once the cake is cool, poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk soak evenly over the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. Before serving, beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the soaked cake.
  11. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake to ensure it soaks up the milk mixture properly. Whip egg whites to stiff but glossy peaks for airy texture. Poke holes evenly before pouring milk soak to avoid sogginess. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Use fresh homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought frosting for a lighter topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cake, milk cake, easy dessert, creamy cake, moist cake, whipped cream topping, traditional dessert