Tres Leches Cake Ultra Moist Milk Soaked Delight
Tres Leches Cake Recipe
If you’ve never tried Tres Leches Cake Recipe, get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. Not only is this Latin American classic a light sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, but it also results in a cake that’s creamy, tender, and melts in your mouth with every bite. In addition, topping it with whipped cream, sprinkling cinnamon, and serving it chilled creates a dessert experience that feels indulgent yet uncomplicated.
Moreover, this version is easy to make, making it perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or even as a make-ahead treat. In fact, letting the cake sit overnight enhances the flavors, allowing the sponge to fully absorb the milk mixture and taste even better the next day.
Ultimately, it’s a simple, elegant, and crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- First of all, the super moist interior is achieved thanks to the triple milk soak, ensuring every bite is rich and indulgent.
- Additionally, the sponge texture soaks up the milk beautifully without becoming soggy, creating the perfect balance of softness.
- Moreover, the recipe uses simple ingredients no fancy items require making it accessible for any home baker.
- In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making this cake make-ahead friendly and even more delicious the next day.
- Finally, it’s visually appealing, with piped whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon, transforming it into a stunning showpiece dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sponge Cake
- All-Purpose Flour The foundation of the cake, giving it structure. A light hand when mixing ensures the sponge stays airy.
- Baking Powder Provides just enough lift so the cake is fluffy without being too dense.
- Salt A small pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
- Egg Yolks Add richness, color, and a custardy texture to the sponge.
- Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cake and also helps aerate eggs when whipped.
- Whole Milk Keeps the sponge moist and adds creaminess before the soaking step.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses the cake with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Egg Whites (Beaten to Stiff Peaks) The key to a light, airy sponge. Folding them in gently traps air bubbles that create the perfect cake texture.
For the Milk Soak (Tres Leches Mixture)
- Evaporated Milk Adds richness without being overly sweet. It’s thicker than fresh milk, which helps bind with the sponge.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk The sweetest component, giving the cake its signature indulgence.
- Whole Milk (or Heavy Cream) Balances out the soak with creaminess and helps achieve the melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
For the Whipped Topping
- Heavy Whipping Cream Whips up into a fluffy, light topping that balances the dense milk-soaked cake.
- Powdered Sugar Sweetens the whipped cream without making it grainy.
- Vanilla Extract Enhances the cream with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon (Optional Garnish) Adds a warm, slightly spicy contrast to the sweet cream topping and gives a traditional Latin flair.
Tres Leches Cake Recipe
This Latin American classic is a light sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, resulting in a cake that’s creamy, tender, and melt in your mouth.
Course: Dessert Cuisine: Latin American Keyword: Tres Leches Cake Prep Time: 1hour hour 30minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40minutes minutes Total Time: 2hours hours 10minutes minutes Servings: 12 Calories: 435kcal
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the cakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup whole milk
- For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish so the cake doesn’t stick. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Beat the Egg Yolks
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in milk and vanilla. - Combine Wet & Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the yolk mixture and mix gently until just combined. - Whip Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks hold. - Fold Into Batter
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in batches. This step is crucial for keeping the cake light. - Bake the Sponge
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely. - Soak with Tres Leches
Poke holes all over the cooled sponge using a fork. Whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. Slowly pour over the cake, allowing it to absorb evenly. Chill for at least 1 hour (overnight is best). - Make the Whipped Cream
Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled, soaked cake. - Finish & Serve
Dust with cinnamon, slice into squares, and serve cold.
For the Tres Leches Milk Soak
- Evaporated Milk Thicker and creamier than regular milk, it gives the soak a deep, rich flavor without being overly sweet.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk The star of the soak mixture. It brings sweetness, silkiness, and the indulgent creamy taste Tres Leches Cake is famous for.
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream Lightens the soak mixture and ensures the sponge absorbs evenly. Using cream makes it extra luscious, while whole milk keeps it balanced.
For the Whipped Cream Topping
- Heavy Whipping Cream When whipped, it becomes light, airy, and fluffy, the perfect contrast to the moist, dense cake.
- Powdered Sugar Dissolves easily and sweetens the cream without making it gritty.
- Vanilla Extract Brings a delicate aroma and enhances the flavor of the topping.
- Ground Cinnamon (Optional) A traditional garnish that adds warmth and a slight spiced note, making the cake more visually appealing and flavorful.
Tips & Variations
- Add fresh fruit toppings (strawberries, mango, blueberries) for color and flavor.
- Use coconut milk for one of the milks to give a tropical twist.
- Want a boozy kick? Add a splash of rum or to the milk soak.
- For smaller servings, bake in ramekins or loaf pans.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate covered for 3–5 days.
- Best when made a day ahead so the flavors deepen.
- Can be frozen (without whipped topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
Nutrition Information Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 347mg | Sugar: 42g | Calcium: 244mg | Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day before serving improves the flavor because the sponge fully absorbs the milk mixture. Cover it and refrigerate overnight for best results.
Q2: Can I use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk?
While you can, the cake will lose some of its richness and creamy texture. Full-fat milk or heavy cream is recommended for the classic indulgent taste.
Q3: Why is my cake soggy instead of moist?
Tres Leches Cake is meant to be moist. The sponge should absorb the milk mixture fully. If it looks too soggy, check that the sponge wasn’t underbaked or too dense, and pour the milk slowly to allow absorption.
Q4: Can I stabilize the whipped cream topping?
Yes, if you want it to hold shape for hours, you can add a stabilizer like gelatin or cream of tartar to the whipped cream. This is especially useful if serving at events.
Q5: Can I freeze Cake?
Yes, but freeze it without whipped cream topping. Wrap the soaked cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the whipped cream.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Tres Leches Cake Recipe is a truly indulgent dessert that combines a soft, airy sponge with a rich, creamy three-milk soak. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also melts in your mouth with every bite. In fact, by following the step-by-step instructions carefully, you can ensure that each layer of the cake absorbs the milk perfectly and achieves the classic, moist texture.
Furthermore, topping the cake with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon adds the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Additionally, you can experiment with garnishes like fresh berries or a sprinkle of cocoa for an extra touch of elegance. Overall, this cake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, impressing both family and guests alike.
Finally, remember that chilling the cake overnight enhances the flavors and allows the sponge to fully soak, giving you a dessert that is as delicious as it is memorable. Moreover, serving it cold and slicing generously ensures everyone gets to enjoy this iconic Latin American treat to the fullest. Ultimately, it’s a dessert that combines simplicity, elegance, and unforgettable taste, guaranteed to delight everyone.
