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Tres Leches Cake Recipe

A classic Latin American dessert featuring a light, airy sponge cake soaked in a sweet three-milk mixture, then topped with fluffy whipped cream and cinnamon.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Latin American
Keyword: Tres Leches Cake
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 435kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture:

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup whole milk

For the Whipped Topping:

  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the Cake Batter:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch metal baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar on high speed until pale and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla.
  • Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the flour mixture until just combined.

Beat the Egg Whites:

  • In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  • Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until fully incorporated.

Bake the Cake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Soak the Cake:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.
  • Use a fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it absorbs fully.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor.

Prepare the Whipped Topping:

  • Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  • Spread the whipped topping evenly over the soaked cake.

Garnish & Serve:

  • Sprinkle cinnamon over the top. Serve chilled, optionally with fresh strawberries. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 347mg | Sugar: 42g | Calcium: 244mg | Iron: 2mg
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