If you’re looking for a dessert that’s indulgent yet light, then Tres Leches Cake is the answer! This Latin American classic is famous for its incredibly moist texture, thanks to a delicious three-milk mixture that soaks into a light, fluffy sponge cake.
Topped with a creamy whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration or a sweet weeknight treat.
Tres Leches Cake is surprisingly easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create this rich, decadent cake that will melt in your mouth.
This recipe takes you step-by-step through each process, from making the fluffy cake to soaking it in the three milks and topping it with a whipped cream finish. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 5 large eggs, separated (egg whites and yolks)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (235 ml) whole milk
For the Leches Topping:
- 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz (340 g) evaporated milk
- ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)
Required Kitchen Tools
Before getting started, ensure you have the following kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient:
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This will help you easily beat the egg whites and cream, which is key to achieving the cake’s light, airy texture.
- Cake Pan: A 9×13-inch baking pan works best for this recipe. It gives enough space for the cake to rise and soak up the milk mixture.
- Whisk: You’ll need a whisk for mixing the dry ingredients and for making the whipped cream topping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential to get the right consistency for your cake and toppings.
- Mixing Bowls: Several mixing bowls will be necessary to keep your ingredients organized during the process.
With these tools on hand, you’re ready to make the best Tres Leches Cake of your life!
Preparing the Cake: Step-by-Step
The key to making Tres Leches Cake is getting the cake batter just right—light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Here’s how to do it:
1. Separate the Eggs:
Start by separating the egg whites and yolks into two separate bowls. Make sure there’s no yolk mixed in with the whites, as this will affect the consistency of the batter. The egg whites will be whipped into a meringue, which gives the cake its airy texture.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1 cup of the granulated sugar (set aside the other cup for later) until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in small portions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t over-mix, as this can result in a dense cake.
4. Whip the Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 1 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. This will give the cake its light and fluffy texture. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
5. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Soaking the Cake with the Leches Mixture
Once your cake has cooled slightly, it’s time for the magic—soaking it in the tres leches (three milks) mixture! This is what gives the Tres Leches Cake its signature moisture and decadent flavor. The cake will absorb the milks, turning it into a rich, creamy dessert that’s still light and fluffy.
1. Prepare the Leches Mixture:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure everything is fully incorporated. This mixture will create the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess to soak into the cake.
2. Poke Holes in the Cake:
Using a fork or skewer, gently poke holes all over the cooled cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface—this allows the milk mixture to seep in and fully soak the cake. Be careful not to tear the cake, as you want it to remain intact for easy serving.
3. Pour the Leches Mixture Over the Cake:
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the top of the cake, making sure it evenly covers the surface. The cake will absorb the liquid, so don’t rush this process. Once all the mixture is poured, use a spoon to gently press the cake down, helping it soak up even more of the milk.
4. Let the Cake Soak:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer the cake soaks, the more flavorful and moist it will be. Refrigerating it overnight allows the milk mixture to fully absorb, creating the best texture.
Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping
While the cake is soaking, you can prepare the delicious whipped cream topping that will add a light, airy finish to the cake. This topping is simple yet indulgent, and it complements the rich milky cake perfectly.
1. Whip the Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. This will only take a few minutes using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Be careful not to over-whip the cream, as it can turn into butter.
2. Spread the Whipped Cream:
Once the cake has fully soaked in the milk mixture and is chilled, remove it from the fridge. Using a spatula or an offset knife, spread the whipped cream evenly over the entire top of the cake. Be generous with the whipped cream, as it adds both flavor and texture to the dessert.
3. Optional Cinnamon Sprinkle:
For an extra touch of flavor and decoration, you can lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the whipped cream. This is optional, but it adds a subtle warmth to the overall dessert that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Let the cake sit in the fridge for an additional 30 minutes to allow the whipped cream to set. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake into squares, and enjoy the creamy, rich, and delicious layers that make this Tres Leches Cake a crowd-pleaser every time!
Serving and Decoration
Once your Tres Leches Cake has chilled, it’s ready to be served. This dessert is a showstopper, with its rich milky layers, fluffy cake, and airy whipped cream topping. You can serve it as-is or elevate the presentation with a few finishing touches.
Suggested Toppings and Coatings
While the cake is delicious on its own, there are a few additional ways to enhance its flavor and presentation:
- Fresh Fruit: Top each slice of Tres Leches Cake with fresh fruit like berries, mango slices, or even kiwi. The freshness of the fruit balances the richness of the cake and adds a burst of color to your dessert.
- Toasted Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle toasted shredded coconut on top of the whipped cream. It adds a delightful texture and an extra layer of flavor.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be finely chopped and sprinkled over the whipped cream for a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
- Chocolate Shavings or Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup over the top or garnish with chocolate shavings. It adds a decadent, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the milky cake.
- Edible Flowers: If you’re serving the cake for a special occasion, edible flowers like pansies or violets can be a beautiful and fragrant decoration that makes the dessert even more impressive.
Serving Tips
- Slice and Serve: To serve, slice the cake into squares or rectangles. A sharp knife works best to cut through the soft whipped cream and soaked cake.
- Cold and Creamy: Tres Leches Cake is best served cold, straight from the fridge, to keep the whipped cream topping from melting and maintain its creamy texture.
- Perfect Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage like coffee, espresso, or a chilled glass of sweet iced tea, making it a great option for both casual and formal gatherings.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Tres Leches Cake Fresh
Tres Leches Cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent the whipped cream from drying out. The cake will continue to soak up the milk mixture, becoming even more moist as time passes.
Freezing Tres Leches Cake
Although Tres Leches Cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if you need to prepare it ahead of time. To freeze:
- Freeze the Cake (Before Adding Toppings): After baking and cooling the cake, but before adding the milk mixture and whipped cream, you can wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing and Assembling: When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, proceed with soaking the cake in the three milks, and top with whipped cream and any garnishes as desired. This ensures that the cake remains moist and fresh-tasting.
Conclusion: A Timeless Dessert for Every Occasion
Tres Leches Cake is the epitome of indulgence—rich, moist, and perfectly sweet. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or just to treat yourself and your loved ones, this cake is always a crowd favorite. By following this step-by-step recipe, you’ll be able to create a perfectly moist and flavorful cake every time.
