Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a soft, spongy cake soaked in a sweet, creamy mixture of three kinds of milk, making it rich and indulgent. Topped with freshly whipped cream, this classic Latin dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and light.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Make the egg yolk mixture: Separate the eggs. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in 1/3 cup milk and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until well combined.
4. Beat the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the milk mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream. Mix well.
7. Soak the cake: Once the cake is done baking, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
8. Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to absorb the milk mixture.
9. Whip the cream: Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
• Servings: 12

Variations

• Fruity Twist: Add sliced strawberries, peaches, or other fruits on top of the whipped cream for a refreshing touch.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the milk mixture for a warm flavor profile.
• Coconut Flavor: Add shredded coconut to the whipped cream or the cake batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the whipped cream for a chocolatey twist.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, Tres Leches Cake actually improves with time, so making it a day ahead of serving is ideal for the best flavor and texture.
2. Can I use a different pan size?
   Yes, you can use an 8×8 inch square pan, but the baking time may vary. Check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully cooked.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and dairy-free whipped cream.
4. Can I freeze the cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
5. Can I use low-fat versions of the milks?
   While you can use low-fat or fat-free versions of the milks, the texture and richness of the cake will not be as indulgent as with full-fat versions.
6. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
   The cake should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Can I make mini versions of this cake?
   Yes, you can make individual servings by dividing the batter into muffin tins or small baking dishes, adjusting the baking time as needed.
8. What other toppings can I add?
   You can top with a dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of caramel, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
9. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
   Yes, store-bought whipped cream can be used, but homemade whipped cream adds a fresher and fluffier texture to the cake.
10. How long should I let the cake cool before adding the milk mixture?
    Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before poking holes and adding the milk mixture to ensure the milk soaks in properly.

Conclusion

Tres Leches Cake is a rich, creamy, and irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or just as a special treat. With its moist texture and sweet flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. Enjoy this delightful cake!

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