Description
Indulge in the creamy delight of The Best Tres Leches Cake, a traditional Latin American dessert that captures hearts and taste buds alike. This easy recipe requires minimal active prep time, making it perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to casual gatherings. The cake is luxuriously moist, thanks to a blend of three milks, creating a rich flavor profile that melts in your mouth. Finished with a light topping of whipped cream and optional cinnamon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with your favorite fruits or flavors. Experience the joy of homemade decadence with this authentic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 large eggs (separated)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- one 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (for topping)
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- cinnamon (optional for garnishing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until pale and thick. Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy whipping cream. Mix well.
- Once cooled, poke holes all over the surface of the cake using a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together heavy whipping cream with confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the soaked cake and garnish with cinnamon if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg