Dreamy Tres Leches Cake Recipe: A Slice of Sweet Perfection

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this creamy tres leches cake that blends Latin American culinary magic with pure dessert decadence.

Milk-soaked layers promise an incredible texture that melts softly on your tongue.

Generations of bakers have perfected this beloved treat across Central and South America.

Condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream create a luxurious soak that transforms a simple sponge cake into something extraordinary.

Delicate crumbs absorb each liquid drop, creating a dessert both rich and light.

Soft peaks of whipped cream crown this heavenly creation, making every slice a celebration.

You’ll want to savor each spoonful and share this irresistible treasure with those closest to your heart.

What Everyone Loves About Tres Leches Cake

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Brings everyone together with its irresistible sweet, creamy texture that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
• Master Complex Technique: Learn a sophisticated Latin American baking method that transforms a simple cake into a luxurious, milk-soaked masterpiece without needing professional pastry skills.
• Perfect Party Showstopper: Impresses guests with its elegant presentation and rich, decadent flavor profile, making it ideal for celebrations, potlucks, and special gatherings.
• Simple Ingredient Swap Magic: Easily customize the cake by experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or adding a splash of rum to the milk mixture for a personalized touch.

Must-Have Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure to the cake's delicate texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's rich and smooth consistency.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the cake's texture.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk, Half-and-Half: Three types of milk that give the cake its signature moistness and creamy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor to the milk mixture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warm and aromatic spice to the glaze.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Ground Cinnamon: Offers a final sprinkle of warm spice for garnish.

Making Tres Leches Cake, One Step at a Time

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 3: Create Fluffy Cake Base

Use an electric mixer to beat sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes light and pale, which takes about 3 minutes. This process creates a smooth, airy texture.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the egg blend. Stir in melted butter until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Initial Cake

Remove from oven and let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before soaking.

Step 7: Prepare Milk Glaze

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Ground cinnamon
• Evaporated milk
• Half-and-half
• Vanilla extract

Step 8: Soak the Cake

Use a wooden skewer to poke holes all over the slightly cooled cake. Slowly pour the milk glaze, allowing it to absorb completely.

Step 9: Chill and Absorb

Let the cake cool completely for about 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to enhance flavor absorption.

Step 10: Create Whipped Topping

Beat heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, creating a luxurious cream topping.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake.

Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for a beautiful and flavorful finish before serving.

Tips to Nail the Perfect Tres Leches Cake

• Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother cake batter and better mixing.
• Use a wooden skewer with many holes to help the milk mixture penetrate evenly throughout the cake.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow the milk to fully absorb, creating a super moist texture.
• Whip the cream just before serving to maintain its fluffy consistency and prevent deflation.
• Optional substitution: Replace whole milk with almond milk for a lighter version or dairy-free alternative.

Fun Twists for Your Tres Leches Cake

• Chocolate Tres Leches: Replace some flour with cocoa powder and add melted chocolate to the batter for a rich, dark version of the classic cake.
• Coconut Tres Leches: Mix shredded coconut into the batter and use coconut milk in the glaze for a tropical flavor profile.
• Berry Burst Tres Leches: Layer fresh strawberries or raspberries between the cake and whipped cream topping for a fruity variation.
• Spiced Rum Tres Leches: Add a splash of dark rum to the milk glaze and sprinkle toasted nuts on top for an adult-friendly rendition.

What to Pair with Tres Leches Cake

• Savor Sweet Cinnamon Coffee: Rich espresso or cappuccino beautifully complements the cake's creamy sweetness, cutting through the dense texture with robust flavors.
• Pair with Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries provide a bright, acidic contrast to the cake's sugary richness, creating a balanced dessert experience.
• Match with Caramel Liqueur: A smooth caramel-based liqueur like Baileys or Kahlúa enhances the cake's milky notes, adding depth and warmth to each delightful bite.
• Explore Mexican Hot Chocolate: Traditional spiced hot chocolate with hints of cinnamon and chili mirrors the cake's cultural roots, offering a warming and authentic accompaniment.

Keeping Tres Leches Cake Fresh and Delicious

• Refrigeration: Store the tres leches cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep it covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Do not leave the cake out for more than 2 hours due to its milk-based ingredients. Always keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Reheating: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent the cake from becoming tough or rubbery.

FAQs About Tres Leches Cake

• What is the origin of Tres Leches Cake?

The cake originated in Latin America, specifically Mexico, and became popular throughout Central and South American countries as a sweet, rich dessert.

• Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?

Poking holes allows the three milks to deeply penetrate the cake, creating a super moist and flavorful texture that is characteristic of this traditional dessert.

• Can I make this cake without cinnamon?

Yes, cinnamon is optional. The cake will still taste delicious, but cinnamon adds a warm, traditional flavor that complements the sweet milk mixture.

• Is Tres Leches Cake difficult to make?

While it requires multiple steps, the recipe is straightforward. The key is patience during the soaking and chilling process to achieve the perfect, ultra-moist texture.

Tres Leches Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Mexican magic unfolds with this tres leches cake, a heavenly dessert that marries rich milk-soaked sponge with delicate cream. Silky layers melt on your palate, promising a culinary journey through traditional Latin American comfort and indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients (Cake Base):

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons / 113 grams) unsalted butter

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Milk Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 (14-ounce / 400 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12-ounce / 340 grams) can evaporated milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until uniform.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture, ensuring minimal mixing, then incorporate melted butter.
5. Transfer batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
8. Create the milk glaze by blending sweetened condensed milk with ground cinnamon, then incorporating evaporated milk, half-and-half, and vanilla extract.
9. Pierce the warm cake extensively with a wooden skewer, creating multiple channels for the glaze.
10. Slowly drench the cake with the prepared milk mixture, allowing each pour to absorb completely.
11. Refrigerate the soaked cake for 4-6 hours to ensure thorough absorption and chilling.
12. Whip heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
13. Spread the whipped cream evenly across the chilled cake surface.
14. Dust the top with ground cinnamon just before serving.

Notes

• Select high-quality whole milk for the most authentic and rich flavor profile in your tres leches cake.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother cake batter texture.
• Poke plenty of holes in the cake to help the milk mixture absorb evenly, creating a supremely moist dessert.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, adjusting liquid ratios slightly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 331
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg