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Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves soft, moist, and ultra-creamy cakes! This Mexican classic is a light sponge cake soaked in a blend of three milks, then topped with fluffy whipped cream for a perfectly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
It’s easy to make, perfect for celebrations, and gets even better the next day—making it a must-try for any dessert lover!
🥛 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup whole milk
👉 For the Three-Milk Soak:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
👉 For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👉 For Garnishing:
- Ground cinnamon
- Fresh strawberries or cherries
🍰 How to Make Tres Leches Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ In another bowl, beat egg yolks and ¾ cup sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and milk.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until stiff.
5️⃣ Gently fold the egg white mixture into the yolk mixture, then fold in the dry ingredients until combined.
6️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
Step 2: Soak the Cake
7️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.
8️⃣ Poke holes all over the cake with a fork, then slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake.
9️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best results!).
Step 3: Make the Whipped Topping
🔟 Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled cake.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
1️⃣1️⃣ Dust with cinnamon and top with fresh strawberries or cherries. Slice and enjoy!
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🍫 Chocolate Twist? Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey version!
🥥 Tropical Flavor? Replace whole milk with coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.
🔥 Want Extra Sweetness? Drizzle with dulce de leche or caramel sauce before serving!
❄️ Make Ahead? Tres Leches Cake is even better the next day, so refrigerate overnight for the best flavor!
💡 What to Serve with It?
- A hot cup of café de olla (Mexican spiced coffee) ☕
- A refreshing horchata or vanilla milkshake 🥤
- A scoop of cinnamon ice cream for extra indulgence 🍨
This Tres Leches Cake is soft, rich, and soaked in creamy goodness, making it one of the most beloved Mexican desserts. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together, it’s always a huge hit!
