Tres Leches Cake Dessert is a delightful treat that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. Originating from Latin America, this moist and indulgent cake is soaked in a mixture of three types of milkevaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy creamcreating a rich, creamy texture that is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I tasted this heavenly dessert; the combination of sweetness and creaminess was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
People love Tres Leches Cake Dessert not only for its unique flavor but also for its versatility. It can be served at celebrations, family gatherings, or even as a simple weeknight treat. The cake’s light sponge base absorbs the milky goodness, resulting in a dessert that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit, this cake is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. Join me as we dive into the delightful world of Tres Leches Cake and learn how to create this beloved dessert in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- ? cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnish:
- Fresh fruit (like strawberries or mangoes)
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
Preparing the Cake
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will ensure that your cake comes out easily once its baked. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later. 3. In a large mixing bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites, as this will affect the whipping process. 4. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in ½ cup of granulated sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy cake. 5. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining ½ cup of sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. 6. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until well combined. 7. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. 8. Now, gently fold in the whipped egg whites into the batter in three additions. Start with one-third of the egg whites to lighten the batter, then fold in the remaining whites carefully. This will help maintain the airiness of the cake. 9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.Preparing the Milk Mixture
11. While the cake is cooling, its time to prepare the milk mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Whisk until well blended. 12. Once the cake has cooled completely, use a fork or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the milk mixture to soak in beautifully. 13. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring that it seeps into the holes. You want the cake to absorb as much of the milk as possible, so take your time with this step. 14. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will help the flavors meld together and make the cake incredibly moist.Preparing the Whipped Topping
15. When youre ready to serve the cake, its time to prepare the whipped topping. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. 16. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until it starts to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes. 17. Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter if whipped too long. You want it to be light and fluffy.Assembling the Cake
18. Once the whipped cream is ready, take the cake out of the refrigerator. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula