Bihari Tres Leches Cake

Ingredients

In the Bihari adaptation of Tres Leches Cake, the traditional Mexican flavors are enhanced with the addition of aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. Local ingredients are used to create a fusion of flavors that is unique to Bihari cuisine. The cake is soaked in a mixture of three milks - condensed milk, evaporated milk, and thickened milk - which gives it a rich and moist texture. The frosting is made with whipped cream and garnished with pistachios and almonds, adding a touch of elegance to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tres Leches Cake, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (14oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (14oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12oz/354ml) evaporated milk 1 can (12oz/354ml) evaporated milk
• 1 cup (240ml) thickened milk (rabri) 1 cup (240ml) thickened milk (rabri)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Pistachios and almonds, for garnish Pistachios and almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 49g, 38g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, and saffron strands.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until well combined.
5. 5.
   Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
6. 6.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and thickened milk.
8. 8.
   Once the cake is baked and cooled slightly, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer.
9. 9.
   Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
10. 10.
    In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
11. 11.
    Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake. Garnish with pistachios and almonds.
12. 12.
    Slice and serve chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for 10 minutes before using to release its flavor and color.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of rose water or kewra water to the milk mixture.
• Make sure to refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to absorb the milk mixture fully.
• Toast the pistachios and almonds before garnishing for an extra crunch and aroma.
• Serve the cake chilled for the best taste and texture.
• You can customize the sweetness of the whipped cream frosting by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar to your preference.

Serving advice

Serve each slice of Bihari Tres Leches Cake on a dessert plate, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cardamom and a drizzle of saffron-infused syrup for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can pipe rosettes of whipped cream along the edges of the cake and place a saffron strand on top of each rosette. Dust the entire cake with a pinch of ground cardamom for a visually appealing finish.