Tres Leches Cake: A Classic Mexican Dessert

Tres Leches Cake is a delightful Mexican dessert that combines the light texture of a vanilla cake with a creamy, rich soaking of three types of milk. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent. The cake is soaked in a sweet milk mixture, then topped with a fluffy layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a recipe that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, use a fork to pierce the top of the cake all over, creating small holes for the milk mixture to absorb.
4. Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well mixed.
5. Soak the Cake:
   • Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cooled cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the milk mixture fully.
6. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
   • In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the whipped cream, if desired. Keep the cake refrigerated and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Bonus Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of rum or vanilla extract to the milk mixture. You can also garnish with fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a personalized touch.

Conclusion

Tres Leches Cake is a decadent dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its light, airy texture and rich, creamy soak, it’s a surefire hit for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a classic treat, this cake offers a perfect blend of sweetness and creaminess. Enjoy each moist, flavorful bite of this beloved Mexican dessert, and savor the compliments that are sure to follow!