Craving a taste of something rich and indulgent? This Banana Tres Leches Cake recipe brings together the best of two beloved desserts—classic tres leches cake and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion.
The light and airy sponge cake is soaked in a trio of milks, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite, while the banana adds an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients List
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup milk
Tres Leches Soaking Mixture
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you start, ensure you have the right tools to make this Banana Tres Leches Cake a breeze. Here’s a list of essential tools you’ll need:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For beating the egg whites and mixing the batter efficiently. This will help you achieve a fluffy, airy texture in the cake.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This size is perfect for holding the batter and ensuring the cake bakes evenly.
- Whisk and Spatula: For folding in the dry ingredients and combining the wet ingredients smoothly.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for egg yolks and whites, and one large bowl for the cake batter.
- Cooling Rack: Once the cake is baked, you’ll need a cooling rack to cool it before soaking it in the tres leches mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking, so ensure you have a set of standard measuring cups and spoons on hand.
With these tools, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect Banana Tres Leches Cake!
Preparing the Cake Batter
The first step in making this decadent dessert is preparing the cake batter. This part requires a little attention to detail to ensure the cake rises perfectly and soaks up the tres leches mixture beautifully.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later use. This mixture will help provide the structure and fluffiness for your cake.
Whisking the Eggs
Next, separate the 5 large eggs into yolks and whites. Place the egg yolks in a large mixing bowl and the egg whites in a separate, clean bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the egg yolks with ½ cup of sugar until the mixture is light and pale. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the yolk mixture, mixing well.
Whipping the Egg Whites
Now, let’s focus on the egg whites. Using a clean, dry mixer bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of sugar while continuing to beat until the egg whites are glossy and hold stiff peaks. This step is crucial as it helps give the cake its light, airy texture.
Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once the egg whites are whipped, gently fold them into the banana-egg yolk mixture. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; fold them in using a spatula until fully incorporated. Now, gradually add the dry flour mixture, a little at a time, and mix gently until just combined. Finally, stir in the milk until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top, and it will have risen nicely during baking.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. While the cake is cooling, prepare the tres leches soaking mixture.
Preparing the Tres Leches Soaking Mixture
The magic of tres leches cake lies in its soaking mixture, which transforms the sponge cake into a moist, flavorful treat. For this recipe, we’re using a classic trio of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream, with a little twist of banana flavor.
Mixing the Three Milks
In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix until smooth and well combined. This rich soaking liquid will infuse the cake with a luxurious texture and sweetness.
Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, carefully poke holes all over the surface of the cake using a fork or skewer. These holes will allow the soaking mixture to seep deep into the cake, ensuring each bite is perfectly moist.
Soaking the Cake
Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cooled cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Don’t rush this step—let the cake absorb the milk mixture gradually. It may seem like a lot of liquid at first, but trust me, the cake will soak it up beautifully. Once all the mixture is absorbed, cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to soak up all the delicious milk mixture.
Whipped Cream Topping
The finishing touch to this Banana Tres Leches Cake is the luxurious whipped cream topping. It adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, soaked cake, giving it the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Whipping the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form. If you prefer a slightly sweetened whipped cream, you can adjust the sugar to taste. Beat just until the cream holds stiff peaks and is smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want it to remain light and spreadable.
Assembling the Cake
Once the cake has fully soaked in the tres leches mixture, spread the freshly whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out to the edges, creating a fluffy, cloud-like finish.
Garnishing and Serving
For a decorative touch, you can garnish the cake with thin banana slices or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate shavings. If you want an extra layer of flavor, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few crushed nuts would also pair wonderfully with the bananas.
Serving Suggestions
Banana Tres Leches Cake is perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a special treat for yourself and your loved ones. It’s best served chilled, and the flavors only improve with time. Serve it as a stand-alone dessert or pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon indulgence.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Your Cake Fresh
This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the milk soaking, it’s best enjoyed within the first few days to maintain its moisture and texture.
Freezing Banana Tres Leches Cake
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the Banana Tres Leches Cake. To freeze, slice the cake into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. To enjoy again, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
This Banana Tres Leches Cake is a dreamy, indulgent dessert that combines the traditional flavors of tres leches with the sweet richness of ripe bananas. The soft, airy cake absorbs the milks perfectly, while the whipped cream topping adds a light, creamy finish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. By following these detailed steps, you’ll create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and irresistible. So go ahead—give it a try and enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors of this one-of-a-kind dessert!
