In Mexico, as in other Latin American countries, Tres Leches is the typical party cake. But it has become rare to find one that is as truly exquisite as this one that I found, ironically, in a French cooking blog. Bathed in three kinds of milk (evaporated, condensed and cream) the cake must be very spongy so that, even when drowned with all this liquid, it doesn’t lose its consistency or flavour.
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Tres Leches Cake
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This exquisite Tres Leches Cake is a Latin American favorite, soaked in three kinds of milk for a rich and moist dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) flour
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 500ml whipping cream
- 6 tbsp (90 ml) sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy, about 4 minutes.
- Add the 1/3 cup milk and vanilla extract to the yolk mixture and beat for another minute.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yolk mixture, mixing until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 250ml of the whipping cream. Mix well.
- Once the cake is cool, pierce the surface with a fork several times. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it is evenly soaked. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, whip the remaining 250ml of whipping cream with 6 tbsp of sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over the top of the cake.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, make the cake a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the whipping cream if desired.
- The cake should be very spongy to absorb the milk mixture without becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Cake
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 36
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 17
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 110
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- A very Latin American Birthday – Tres Leches Bites
- Tres Leches Toffee Cake
- Tres Leches Cornbread Cake with White Chocolate Cherry Popcorn
- Classic Guacamole with Lime and Jalapeño
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the cake need to be very spongy?
The article explains that the sponge must be airy enough so that, even when drowned in the full three-milk mixture (condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 250 ml of the whipping cream), it doesn’t lose its consistency or flavour. The recipe achieves this by folding egg whites beaten to stiff peaks into the batter.
When is the best time to make this cake?
The notes say for best results, make the cake a day in advance — this allows the milk mixture to fully soak into the sponge and the flavours to meld together before you top it with the whipped cream layer. 
Is there a substitute for the whipping cream topping?
Yes — the notes say you can substitute half-and-half for the whipping cream if desired, though the topping will be less thick and rich.
how many does it serve
what do you cook it in??
>7. In a bowl, mix condensed milk, evaporated milk and cream. Pour slowly over cake.
>8. In mixer, beat remaining cream with 6 tablespoons of sugar. When firm, smear over the cake.
How does the liquid cream have to be divided exactly?