Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Tres Leches Cake is a beloved dessert that hails from Latin America. Its name, which translates to “Three Milks Cake,” perfectly captures its essence: a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy treat. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe will guide you to create the perfect Tres Leches Cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and doubled in volume. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and continue beating until the egg whites form stiff peaks.
6. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, taking care not to deflate them.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Milk Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk.

Step 4: Soak the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over its surface using a fork.
2. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it is evenly soaked. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
2. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit if desired.
3. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and utterly delicious Tres Leches Cake!

Conclusion

Tres Leches Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of Latin American flavors. Its moist texture and rich, milky taste make it a favorite for many. This recipe provides a straightforward way to create a Tres Leches Cake that will impress your friends and family. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this cake is celebrated across cultures and continents. Happy baking!

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Feel free to share any tweaks or personal touches you add to your Tres Leches Cake. Enjoy baking and indulging in this creamy, dreamy dessert!