Tres Leches Cake

5 from 2 votes

Tres Leches Cake is a wonderfully moist and creamy dessert made by soaking a light sponge cake in a mixture of three kinds of milk. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon, this cake is perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat anytime.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Chill Time4

Total Time4 50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Servings:

Calories: 404kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
5 large eggs separated
1 cup granulated sugar divided
⅓ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

12 ounces evaporated milk 1 can
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
1 cup whole milk

For the Topping:

1½ cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
fresh strawberries or cinnamon, optional, for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat 5 egg yolks with ¾ cup of granulated sugar on high speed until the yolks are pale yellow. Stir in ⅓ cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the 5 egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 can of evaporated milk, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of whole milk.
Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the top using a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
In a large bowl, beat 1½ cups of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.
Garnish with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and dairy are at room temperature before you start. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter, more airy cake.
Chilling Time: The longer you let the cake chill, the more the flavors meld together. If possible, make it the day before you plan to serve it.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this cake with a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. It also makes a fantastic centerpiece for any dessert table.
Storage: Tres Leches Cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition