Classic Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Indulge in the heavenly delight of a classic Tres Leches Cake. This moist and creamy cake is soaked in a combination of three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth goodness. With a light and fluffy sponge cake base, topped with a luscious whipped cream frosting, this traditional Latin American dessert is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the cake:
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• For the milk mixture:
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the whipped cream frosting:
• 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
• Ground cinnamon (for dusting)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the milk mixture. In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Blend until well combined.
9. Once the cake is out of the oven and still hot, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
10. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the hot cake, making sure to evenly distribute it. Allow the cake to cool completely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
11. In the meantime, prepare the whipped cream frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
12. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with maraschino cherries and dust with ground cinnamon.
13. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the heavenly delight of Tres Leches Cake!

Interesting Facts