Tres Leches Cake
A moist, creamy tres leches cake soaked in three types of milk, topped with whipped cream; a delightful dessert perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
- Sift flour and baking powder together and set aside.
- Cream butter and 1 cup of sugar together until fluffy.
- Add eggs and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract; beat well.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing until well blended.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Pierce the cooled cake many times with a fork.
- Whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk until well mixed.
- Pour about 2 cups of the milk mixture at a time over the cooled cake, allowing it to absorb before adding more, until all the milk mixture is used.
- Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Whip the heavy whipping cream with 1 1/3 cups sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla until thick.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake.
- Keep the cake refrigerated until serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a splash of rum or coconut extract to the milk mixture. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before soaking it in the milk mixture to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tres Leches Cake chilled, garnished with fresh fruit such as strawberries or mango for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a Peach Almond Smoothie for a delightful afternoon treat. Consider serving it alongside some Emilia's Spinach Dip for a balanced dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Tres Leches Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing, as it may alter the consistency. If you wish to enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tres Leches Cake contains roughly 883 calories, with 10g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 Tres Leches Cake in advance?
Yes, Tres Leches Cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the milk mixture fully.
What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?
If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use a combination of half-and-half and a little bit of butter to mimic the richness. Alternatively, for a lighter version, consider using whipped topping or a dairy-free whipped cream substitute.
Can I use different types of milk?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses whole, evaporated, and condensed milk, you can experiment with alternatives such as almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
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).