Pastel De Tres Leches(Cake With Three Milks)
A rich, moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk, topped with whipped cream, perfect for celebrations and loved for its creamy, sweet flavor and tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan. Sift flour and baking powder together; set aside.
- Cream together butter and 1 cup of sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract; beat well.
- Add flour mixture to butter mixture 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing well until blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and poke the cake with a fork or skewer 8-10 times; let cool.
- Mix milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and optional liqueur and pour over the cooled cake.
- Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
- For the topping, whip the heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup sugar until thick.
- Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Optional: Add 1/2 cup cherries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, or peaches to the batter.
- Optional: Add chocolate syrup to the milk mixture or white chocolate for extra flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce. Ensure to beat the eggs well for a fluffy texture. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or orange liqueur to the milk mixture. This cake is very forgiving, so feel free to adjust sugar levels based on your sweetness preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled for the best flavor experience. This cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or cherries for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It also complements well with a cup of coffee or a sweet dessert wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as the whipped cream topping may lose its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastel De Tres Leches(Cake With Three Milks) contains roughly 691 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight helps the flavors meld together and enhances the texture. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping or a mixture of half-and-half and powdered sugar. However, for the best results, heavy cream is recommended for its rich texture.
Can I add flavor variations to this cake?
Absolutely! You can incorporate chocolate syrup into the milk mixture for a mocha twist, or add citrus zest for a refreshing citrus flavor. Additionally, you can mix in nuts or dried fruits for added texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).