Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, chilled (for whipped cream frosting) 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, chilled (for whipped cream frosting)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream frosting) 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream frosting)
• Cinnamon or fresh fruit, for garnish Cinnamon or fresh fruit, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 49g, 38g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
6. 6.
   Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until fully incorporated.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
10. 10.
    Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer.
11. 11.
    Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
12. 12.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully absorb the milk mixture.
13. 13.
    In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
14. 14.
    Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake.
15. 15.
    Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit.
16. 16.
    Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Evaporated milk — Make sure to shake the can well before using to ensure the milk is evenly mixed.
• Sweetened condensed milk — Use a can opener to remove the lid carefully, as the condensed milk can be sticky.
• Heavy cream — Chill the cream and the mixing bowl in the refrigerator before whipping to achieve the best results.
• Cinnamon — Use ground cinnamon for a warm and aromatic flavor. Alternatively, you can sprinkle cinnamon sticks on top for a decorative touch.
• Fresh fruit — Choose ripe and juicy fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, or peaches to complement the sweetness of the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of rum or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk mixture.
• For a decorative touch, you can pipe whipped cream rosettes on top of the cake.
• Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure it is thoroughly soaked and the flavors have melded together.
• Serve the Tres Leches Cake chilled for the best taste and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve each slice of Tres Leches Cake on a dessert plate, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a slice of fresh fruit. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Presentation advice

Present the Tres Leches Cake on a beautiful cake stand or platter. Dust the top with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon or arrange fresh fruit slices in an appealing pattern. For an elegant touch, place a mint leaf or edible flowers on each slice.