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Tres Leches Cake

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  • Author: ChefEmma
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Tres Leches Cake is a classic Latin American dessert made with a light sponge cake soaked in a rich blend of three milks—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream—then topped with whipped cream.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (for topping)
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and thick. Stir in milk and vanilla.
  4. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
  6. Fold the egg whites into the batter in batches until fully incorporated.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer.
  9. Whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Pour slowly over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  10. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the soaked cake before serving.

Notes

  • Letting the cake chill overnight ensures maximum soak and flavor.
  • Top with fresh fruit like strawberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice clean pieces.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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Find it online: https://tastyhomeplates.com/tres-leches-cake/