The Tres Leches Cake is a moist and indulgent Latin American dessert that is soaked in a rich blend of three milks, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This cake is a show-stopping dessert that works perfectly for celebrations or as a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the traditional richness of Tres Leches Cake.
Perfectly Moist: The three-milk soak ensures a cake that’s never dry and always luscious.
Simple to Make: With basic pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is achievable for bakers of all levels.
Versatile: Top it with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a personalized touch.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors only improve as it sits, making it a fantastic option for planning ahead.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
For the Milk Soak (Tres Leches):
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
For the Whipped Topping:
1cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Poke Holes: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Then, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface.
Make the Milk Soak (Tres Leches):
Mix the Milks: In a bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Soak the Cake: Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Make the Whipped Topping:
Whip the Cream: Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Decorate: Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit or a dusting of cinnamon.
Servings and Timing
Servings: This recipe serves approximately 12 people.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (plus soaking time)
Variations
Chocolate Tres Leches: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate twist.
Coconut Tres Leches: Replace the whole milk in the soak with coconut milk for tropical flavors.
Spiced Cake: Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced version.
Fruit Layer: Add a layer of sliced strawberries or peaches before spreading the whipped topping.
Stabilized Whipped Cream: Incorporate cream cheese into the whipped cream for a richer, more stable topping.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop over time.
Reheating: This cake is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
Related Recipes:
Related Recipes:
FAQs
How long should I let the cake soak?
Letting the cake soak overnight allows the flavors to fully develop and ensures maximum moisture, but 1-2 hours can work in a pinch.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream provides a fresher, richer flavor and better texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
What’s the best way to garnish this cake?
I like to top it with fresh berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Tres Leches Cake?
Freezing is not recommended because the milk soak can alter the texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after refrigeration.
Conclusion
Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate indulgence for those who love moist, flavorful desserts. With its creamy milk soak and fluffy whipped topping, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple treat, this recipe is one I’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy every delicious bite.
📖 Recipe:
Print
The Best Tres Leches Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus soaking time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Tres Leches Cake features a fluffy sponge cake soaked in a rich blend of three milks for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Topped with whipped cream, it’s a show-stopping dessert ideal for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
For the Milk Soak (Tres Leches):
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
For the Whipped Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour into dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Milk Soak: Whisk whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
- Soak the Cake: Poke holes in the cake and pour milk mixture evenly. Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
- Make Whipped Topping: Beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate: Spread whipped cream over the cake and garnish as desired.
Notes
For richer flavors, soak the cake overnight.
Customize toppings with fruit, cinnamon, or toasted coconut.
Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
