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Tres Leches Cake

Mexican · Dessert · Easy

Tres Leches Cake

Total
6 hr
Prep
5 hr 30 min
Serves
12
Calories
350
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Airy sponge absorbs three milks without turning heavy, then gets a soft whipped-cream cap and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Whipped eggs give Tres Leches Cake a sponge that can hold a generous milk soak. Pour the liquid gradually over the cooled, pierced cake so it reaches the center instead of collecting only at the edges.

Use a deep nine-by-thirteen-inch pan and let the cake chill fully before topping. The resting time is what turns separate cake and milk into a sliceable, evenly moist dessert.

SweetCreamyBakingMake AheadVegetarianNut-free

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the base of a deep 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt.

  2. Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and thick. Mix in the 1/3 cup milk and vanilla extract, then fold in the flour mixture.

  3. With clean beaters, whip egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and beat to firm glossy peaks. Fold gently into the batter and spread in the pan.

  4. Bake for until springy and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for , then pierce the cake all over with a skewer.

  5. Whisk evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and whole milk. Pour gradually over the cake and refrigerate for until evenly soaked.

  6. Whip heavy cream with the remaining 2 tbsp sugar to soft peaks. Spread over the chilled cake and dust with cinnamon.

Forkue tips

  • Pour the milk mixture in several passes, waiting for each puddle to soak in before adding more.

Storing and reheating

Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Serve cold directly from the pan; the milk-soaked crumb is too delicate for room-temperature storage.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

350Calories
9gProtein
47gCarbs
14gFat

Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)

Tres Leches Cake: FAQ

Why did the cake turn dense?

Deflated egg whites reduce the sponge's ability to absorb milk. Fold with broad, gentle strokes and bake as soon as the batter is mixed.

Should there be milk in the bottom?

A little pooled milk is normal, but the cake should absorb most during chilling. Pour gradually and allow the full resting time.

How do I store and reheat Tres Leches Cake?

Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Serve cold directly from the pan; the milk-soaked crumb is too delicate for room-temperature storage.

How long does Tres Leches Cake take?

About 6 hr in total: 5 hr 30 min prep and 30 min cooking.

What do I need to make Tres Leches Cake?

The key ingredients are eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, vanilla extract and evaporated milk, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Tres Leches Cake?

Pour the milk mixture in several passes, waiting for each puddle to soak in before adding more.

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