Heavenly Tres Leches Cake: A Dulce Delight

Indulge in the best tres leches cake! This easy recipe features a moist milk-soaked cake topped with fluffy whipped cream – perfect for any occasion!

Heavenly Tres Leches Cake: My Family&#039 s Favorite Mexican Dessert

Treat Yourself to Heavenly Tres Leches Cake

Oh my gosh, have you ever had a slice of tres leches cake ? seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth! this sweet, decadent dessert drenched in three types of milk is one of those treats that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Picture this: moist, spongy cake soaked in evaporated milk , condensed milk , and heavy cream . if that doesn’t get your taste buds tingling, i don’t know what will!

A Little Backstory

Tres leches, which means “three milks” in spanish, is a star in latin american cuisine—especially in mexico and nicaragua. it has roots deep in culture and family traditions, often served at birthdays, holidays, and just about any joyful gathering.

What’s not to love? it’s a little labor of love but totally worth it.

Now, don’t be scared off by the medium difficulty! this is a pretty easy cake recipe. sure, it takes a bit of practice to get that soaking just right, but i promise you can handle it.

You'll need about an hour and fifteen minutes tops, plus chilling time. and it serves a crowd—12 slices, to be exact! perfect for any gathering, bbq, or even a cozy family dinner.

Health and Happiness at Every Bite

Okay, here’s the kicker: this best tres leches cake isn’t just delicious; it can actually be a better alternative to heavier desserts.

It’s lighter than many cakes thanks to the milk soaking in, which keeps it moist without feeling overly rich. plus, who can say no to dessert? this is a mexican dessert that's sure to bring people together, and trust me, they will want seconds!

What makes this recipe even more special is that it's completely customizable! you can play around with flavors or even swap things out.

Tried coconut tres leches or make a chocolate tres leches version? the possibilities are endless!

So, are you ready to dive into a slice of this heavenly tres leches cake ? Let’s move on to the ingredients and get baking!

Heavenly Tres Leches Cake: A Dulce Delight Recipe Card

Heavenly Tres Leches Cake: My Family's Favorite Mexican Dessert Recipe Card
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Preparation time:

15 Mins
Cooking time:

30 Mins
Servings:
🍽️
12 servings

⚖️ Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 can (12 oz / 360ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream for the topping
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the topping
  • Fresh fruit for garnish (optional, e.g., strawberries, kiwi)

🥄 Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating fully after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk.
  6. Pour batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. In a bowl, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
  8. Once the cake cools, poke holes using a skewer or fork all over the surface. Gradually pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake. Let it absorb for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for best results).
  9. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  10. Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake, garnish with fresh fruit if desired.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Heavenly Tres Leches Cake

Main Ingredients

Gather around, friends! Here’s what you’re gonna need for this scrumptious Tres Leches cake. Trust me, once you make it, you’re gonna be the go-to dessert person in your group!

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour: Look for a fine texture. This helps your cake stay light and fluffy.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Don’t skip this! It’s what makes the cake rise.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened: It should be nice and soft, not melted!
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Grab the regular stuff; no need for fancy sugar here.
  • 4 large eggs , at room temperature: These guys help in making your cake airy and light.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Go for real vanilla for that warm, cozy flavor.
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk: You can use 2% if that’s your thing!

For the Milk Mixture:

  • 1 can (12 oz / 360ml) evaporated milk: Keep an eye out for quality brands; it makes a difference.
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes this a true Leche Cake .
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: Shout out to that rich flavor!

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: Honestly, you’re gonna whip this up into fluffy clouds.
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Just enough sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: You can’t have too much vanilla!
  • Fresh fruit for garnish (optional): Strawberries and kiwi are my fave!

Seasoning Notes

The flavor of your Tres Leches will pop with just the right spices. Here are my go-to picks:

  • Essential Spice Combinations: Cinnamon can be a nice touch in your milk mixture if you’re feeling jazzy. Just a pinch!
  • Flavor Enhancers: Don't forget a splash of almond extract; it’s the secret weapon in many Mexican Desserts .
  • Quick Substitution Options: If you run out of heavy cream, you can mix Greek yogurt with milk to save the day!

Equipment Needed

Now, let’s talk about what tools you’ll need. This isn’t a NASA mission, so relax!

  • 9x13-inch baking dish: This is the star of the show. It holds all that loveliness!
  • Mixing bowls: At least two should do the trick.
  • Electric mixer: A handheld one will work, or even a whisk if you’re feeling strong!
  • Whisk and spatula: For smooth mixing and scraping every last bit of goodness.
  • Knife for cutting: You’ll need this when serving up those heavenly slices.

Got everything? awesome! can't wait for you to whip up this quick and easy tres leches cake . this dessert is gonna take you on a sweet journey back to those nostalgic mexican family gatherings.

Let’s get baking!

Heavenly Tres Leches Cake: A Dulce Delight presentation

Cooking Method

Prep Steps

Before we dive into making that heavenly tres leches cake , let's get organized! first up, we need our mise en place —that’s fancy chef talk for having everything laid out.

Gather your ingredients like a pro: flour, eggs, three types of milk, and all that good stuff. trust me, it saves you from scrambling later.

Time-saving tip: measure out your dry ingredients first, then prep liquids. that way, you can whisk them together smoothly. and don't forget, safety first! make sure those eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.

Nobody wants a lumpy batter!

Step-by-Step Process

Alright, here’s how to pull off this Easy Cake Recipe :

  1. Preheat the Oven: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . A hot oven is key for a fluffy cake!

  2. Mix up the batter: in one bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder , and ¼ tsp salt .

    In another, cream together ¼ cup butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. toss in the eggs one by one, followed by 1 tsp vanilla .

    Alternate adding your dry mix and ½ cup whole milk to keep things light.

  3. Bake it up: pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish . smooth it out and bake for 30 minutes or until golden.

    Pro tip: a toothpick should come out clean—voila!

  4. Craft that milk mixture: while the cake is cooling, combine 12 oz evaporated milk , 14 oz sweetened condensed milk , and 1 cup heavy cream in a bowl.

    This is where the magic happens!

  5. Soak it good: once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over using a skewer. slowly drizzle that glorious milk mixture over the top.

    Let it soak for at least 30 minutes , but overnight is chef’s kiss .

  6. Make the Whipped Topping: Beat 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until soft peaks form. Don’t over-do it; we want it light!

  7. Assemble and Serve: Top your cake with that fluffy whipped cream! Feel free to throw on some fresh fruit if you’re feelin’ fancy.

Pro Tips

  • Remember, room temperature eggs and butter give you a lighter cake, so plan ahead. I once forgot this and ended up with a dense cake. No fun!

  • Common mistake : Don't skimp on poking holes! This allows all that rich milk to soak in. Just be gentle, okay? You want a moist cake, not a soggy one.

  • If you’re prepping for a party, make-ahead is the way to go! This cake gets better as it sits in the fridge. It’s basically the perfect Mexican dessert for a crowd !

So there you have it—your ultimate guide to making the best tres leches cake ever! look into into this authentic mexican dessert , and you'll be the star of the potluck.

Happy baking, friends!

Recipe Notes for Heavenly Tres Leches Cake

Serving Suggestions

Ready to wow your guests with your tres leches cake ? presentation is everything, right? try plating it with a dollop of that fluffy whipped cream on top , and maybe sprinkle some fresh fruit like strawberries or kiwi around the edges.

It’s all about that pop of color! talk about eye candy! and if you wanna take it to the next level, why not serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream ? the cold creaminess against the soaked, sweet cake is a match made in dessert heaven.

Also, a cup of strong coffee would totally round out the experience. you can thank me later!

Storage Tips

So, you’ve made this gorgeous milk cake but there are leftovers? no worries! cover that bad boy tightly and pop it in the fridge.

Tres leches can last about 3-4 days chilled, but trust me, it barely lasts a day around my house! if you want to keep it longer, why not freeze it? just be sure to slice it first and wrap each piece in plastic wrap.

That way, you can defrost just the amount you want later. oh, and when re-heating, just let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes.

You want to preserve all that moisture, you know?

Variations

Feeling adventurous? spice up your tres leches cake recipe with a twist! how about a coconut tres leches ? just swap out that heavy cream for coconut milk.

You’ll get a tropical vibe that’s sure to impress. or if you’re a chocolate lover like me, mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate tres leches cake.

You’ll be the star at the potluck! don’t forget, seasonal ingredients can also make a difference; citrus zest in the milk mixture adds a refreshing zing during spring!

Nutrition Basics

Now, i won’t pretend this is a health food, but let’s keep it real - indulging in mexican desserts once in a while isn't a crime! each slice packs about 310 calories , but hey, it’s loaded with good vibes and sweetness from three types of milk.

Plus, it’s rich in protein from the eggs and dairy! so, embrace the decadence; sometimes, happiness is baked into a slice of cake.

So, go ahead and whip up this easy cake recipe the next time you need a showstopper. remember, making your own tres leches cake is not just about the ingredients, it’s about the experience! enjoy every layer of this dream cake, and let the sweet memories soak in.

You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tres leches cake made of?

Tres leches cake is made from a basic sponge cake that is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. It gets its name from these three milks, which create a wonderfully moist and rich dessert. Topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, it's a delicious treat that many enjoy!

How do I know if my tres leches cake is too soggy?

If your tres leches cake feels overly dense or mushy, it may have absorbed too much liquid. A good indicator is that it should feel moist, but not swimming in milk when you cut into it. To avoid this, remember to poke enough holes for absorption but allow it to soak for the right amount of time—ideally at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best texture.

Can I make a dairy-free version of tres leches?

Absolutely! To make a dairy-free tres leches cake, you can substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk. Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the milk mixture, giving it a delicious tropical flavor. Just ensure all your ingredients are dairy alternatives, and you’ll have a delightful, lactose-free dessert!

How long does tres leches cake last in the fridge?

Tres leches cake generally lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just remember to keep it well covered so it retains its moisture and doesn’t absorb any fridge odors. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can still savor it for a few days after making it!

What can I use to decorate my tres leches cake?

You can top tres leches cake with fluffy whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi, or mango not only adds vibrant color but also complements the sweetness beautifully. Get creative with your toppings for an extra personal touch!

Can I freeze tres leches cake?

Yes, you can freeze tres leches cake! However, it’s best to freeze the cake before soaking it in the milk mixture. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then soak it and top it off just before serving!


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