Are you ready to dive into a world of creamy, dreamy deliciousness? Look no further than this Tres Leches Cake recipe! This Latin American favorite is the ultimate indulgence – a moist sponge cake soaked in a rich blend of three milks, topped with a cloud of whipped cream, and finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Trust us, it’s pure magic in every bite!
What You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Three-Milk Soak:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Let’s Get Baking!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a large mixing bowl and the yolks in another.
- Beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup of the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining 3/4 cup sugar until pale and creamy. Mix in the 1/3 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture, then fold in the egg whites until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the three-milk soak. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
- When ready to serve, make the whipped cream topping. Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
Pro Tips for Tres Leches Success
- Don’t rush the soaking process! The longer the cake sits, the more flavorful and moist it becomes.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, try adding a splash of rum to the milk mixture.
- Serve your Tres Leches Cake chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Get creative with toppings! Try fresh berries, sliced mangoes, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This Tres Leches Cake recipe serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for your next family gathering or dinner party. With its irresistible combination of fluffy cake, creamy milk soak, and light-as-air whipped topping, it’s sure to become a fan favorite in no time!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s truly out of this world. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every heavenly bite!
