Tres Leches Recipe

Tres Leches cake, or “Three Milks” cake, is a decadent dessert soaked in a mixture of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. It’s beloved for its moist texture and rich flavor. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating this classic Latin American dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon 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 Three Milks Mixture:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

For Garnish (optional):

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries or sliced fruit

Equipment Needed:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Toothpick or skewer (for poking holes)
• Whisk

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat Egg Whites: In a large bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. Beat Egg Yolks: In another bowl, beat egg yolks with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the egg yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites until just combined. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.
6. Bake: 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Three Milks Mixture

1. Combine Milks: In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream until well combined.

Step 3: Soak the Cake

1. Poke Holes: Once the cake is baked and while it’s still warm, poke holes all over the surface using a toothpick or skewer. This will allow the milk mixture to soak into the cake.
2. Pour Three Milks Mixture: Slowly pour the three milks mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the mixture if needed.
3. Chill: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture and develop its flavors.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, you can optionally spread whipped cream over the top of the cake and garnish with fresh berries or sliced fruit.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the moist and flavorful Tres Leches cake!

Tips for Perfect Tres Leches Cake:

• Milk Mixture: Ensure the cake is well-soaked by gently pressing down with a spatula after pouring the milk mixture.
• Storage: Store leftover Tres Leches cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Variations: Experiment with adding a splash of rum or other flavorings to the milk mixture for a twist on the classic recipe.