Go Back
Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Flona

Tres Leches Cake

This authentic Tres Leches Cake features a light, fluffy sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three milks and topped with sweetened whipped cream. It is incredibly moist, custardy, and stays fresh for days in the refrigerator.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 287

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 Three Milks
  • 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
For the Whipped Topping
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes
  • ground cinnamon for dusting
  • fresh strawberries optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Fork
  • Measuring cup or pitcher

Method
 

  1. Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Separate Eggs: Separate the eggs, placing yolks in one bowl and whites in another. Use cold eggs for easier separation.
  4. Beat Yolks: Add 3/4 cup sugar to the egg yolks. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until pale yellow, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/3 cup whole milk and vanilla, stirring to combine.
  5. Combine with Flour: Pour egg yolk mixture over flour mixture and stir gently just until combined.
  6. Whip Egg Whites: Using clean beaters, beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar while mixing on medium-low, then beat on high until stiff peaks form.
  7. Fold Gently: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter just until combined. Do not deflate the whites.
  8. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Make Milk Mixture: In a large measuring cup, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup whole milk. Whisk until smooth.
  10. Soak Cake: Once cake is completely cool, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface. Slowly pour milk mixture over entire cake, starting at edges and working toward center. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  11. Make Whipped Topping: Beat heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  12. Finish: Spread whipped cream evenly over chilled cake. Dust with ground cinnamon and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

Fold egg whites gently to prevent deflating. Let cake soak for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture. Always refrigerate this cake. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For freezing, freeze the cake before adding milks or topping.