Tres Leches Cake

Today, I’m so excited to share a dessert that’s drenched in tradition and sweetness—Tres Leches Cake! Whether you’re sipping coffee or tea, get ready to take a delicious journey with this mouthwatering treat. By the end of this post, I promise you’ll be craving a slice of this creamy, dreamy cake.

What is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres Leches Cake, which translates to “Three Milks Cake,” is a beloved Latin American dessert that gets its name from the three types of milk used to soak the cake: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. At its core, it’s a light, airy sponge cake that absorbs this milk blend, transforming it into a moist, almost pudding-like consistency. Topped with a fluffy whipped cream frosting and sometimes garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh berries, it’s the ultimate indulgence.

The Origins of Tres Leches Cake

Now let’s take a quick dive into the sweet history of this treat. While the exact birthplace of Tres Leches Cake is debated, many countries, including Nicaragua, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala, claim it as their own. What we do know is that the recipe became popular in the mid-20th century when Nestlé printed it on the back of their condensed milk cans. With Nestlé’s milk plants in various Latin American countries, the recipe spread quickly, each region adding its own spin on the cake.

Cold or Warm: How is Tres Leches Cake Served?

Traditionally, Tres Leches Cake is served chilled. After baking the sponge cake, it’s generously soaked in the three-milk mixture, then refrigerated for several hours (or overnight). This allows the cake to fully absorb the milk, becoming irresistibly moist. The chilliness contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy flavor, making it an ideal dessert for a hot summer day or to balance out a spicy meal.

Why is My Tres Leches Cake Soggy?

If you’ve ever had a slice of Tres Leches that felt a bit too wet or soggy, don’t fret! The cake is supposed to be quite moist, but not swimming in liquid. The key to the perfect texture is in the soaking process. The cake needs to be well-saturated but not drenched. The result should be a rich, indulgent moistness, not a watery mush.

Can Tres Leches Cake Be Made in Advance?

Great news for busy bakers: Tres Leches Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert! In fact, the flavors get even better the longer the cake sits, making it perfect to prepare a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to add the whipped cream topping right before serving to keep it fresh.

The Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup sugar (for whipping cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipping cream)

Let’s Bake This Tres Leches Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, take a fork and gently poke the cake to help it soak up the milk mixture.
Prepare the Milk Soak: In a bowl, combine the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Slowly pour this milky mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to absorb the liquid.
Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake, smoothing it out evenly.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for a few hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld. Just before serving, feel free to garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or fresh berries.

There you have it, y’all! A Tres Leches Cake that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or treating yourself, this creamy, indulgent dessert is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!