Authentic Mexican Tres Leches Cake Recipe
This isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. Tres Leches Cake is pure comfort, nostalgia, and tradition all wrapped into one. The name "tres leches" means "three milks," and it’s all about that dreamy combo of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream that turns a basic sponge cake into something magical.
Equipment
- A 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- A hand or stand mixer.
- A whisk and spatula.
- Optional: A toothpick for testing the cake and poking holes for milk.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup 125g of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup 200g of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Tres Leches Mixture
- 1 cup 240ml of evaporated milk
- 1 cup 240ml of sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup 120ml of heavy cream
For the Topping
- 1 cup 240ml heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: Fresh strawberries sliced peaches, cinnamon, or a light drizzle of caramel.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish so the cake doesn’t stick. Mix the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar and butter until creamy, then add the eggs one at a time. Slowly mix the dry and wet ingredients together until the batter is smooth with no lumps. This is the base for your Tres Leches Cake.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into a baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before serving. This cake will be soft but firm, perfect for soaking up the tres leches mixture.
Step 3: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture
- To make the special mix, combine three types of milk—sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream—in a bowl or large cup. Stir well until it’s smooth. This creamy mix will give the cake its rich and delicious flavor. Get ready to turn your cake into an amazing dessert with this tasty mixture.
Step 4: Poke and Pour the Milk Mixture
- Once your cake has cooled, use a toothpick, skewer, or fork to poke small holes all over the top. These holes let the milk mixture soak into the cake, making every bite soft and tasty. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Let the cake sit for a while to fully absorb the liquid—this is what gives Tres Leches Cake its soft, creamy texture.
Step 5: Whipped Topping and Final Touches
- For the final step, whip heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until it forms soft peaks. Spread this creamy topping over the soaked cake, making a smooth, fluffy layer.
Notes
When making Tres Leches Cake, ensure the cake is thoroughly cooled before pouring the milk mixture over it to allow even absorption. Chilling the cake for several hours or overnight enhances the flavor and texture, making every bite irresistibly delicious.