Perfect Tres Leches Cake

Perfect Tres Leches Cake

If you’ve never tasted a Tres leches cake before, you’re in for an unforgettable treat. This Latin American dessert, known for its rich, moist texture and sweet, milky flavour, is beloved across the globe. In this post, I’ll take you through a step-by-step recipe that captures the heart of a traditional Tres leches cake while making it achievable for home bakers of all levels.

What is a Tres Leches Cake?

A Tres leches cake is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk – evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk or double cream. The name “tres leches” literally translates to “three milks” in Spanish. Despite being soaked in liquid, the cake holds its shape beautifully and offers a light, spongy bite that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect centrepiece for a birthday, family gathering, or just an indulgent weekend bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tres Leches Cake

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand. These are essentials to achieving that classic Tres leches cake flavour and texture:

For the cake:

• 5 large eggs

• 200g granulated sugar

• 120ml whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 190g plain flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

For the milk mixture:

• 400ml evaporated milk

• 397g can of sweetened condensed milk

• 120ml double cream or whole milk

For the topping:

• 300ml whipping cream

• 2 tbsp icing sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

These simple ingredients come together to form a Tres leches cake that’s both luxurious and incredibly satisfying.

Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking tin. The sponge is the foundation of the Tres leches cake, and it’s important that it’s airy enough to absorb all the milky goodness.

Separate the eggs, placing the yolks and whites in separate bowls. Beat the yolks with half the sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix well. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks develop.

Gently fold the flour, baking powder, and salt into the yolk mixture, followed by the egg whites. Pour the batter into your prepared tin and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. This light, airy sponge is crucial for soaking up the tres leches mixture later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Soak

While the cake is baking, it’s time to prepare the star of the show – the milk mixture. A proper Tres leches cake gets its iconic taste from this combination. In a jug or bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and double cream. Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before poking holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer.

Pour the milk mixture slowly over the entire surface of the cake, making sure it soaks evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or preferably overnight. This step transforms a simple sponge into the luscious, creamy Tres leches cake you’re craving.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Topping

The final layer of this decadent Tres leches cake is the whipped cream topping. In a large bowl, whip the cream with icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread the cream evenly over the chilled cake and garnish with a dusting of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or fresh berries if you like.

Step 4: Serve and Savour

Cut into generous squares and serve chilled. Each bite of Tres leches cake offers a light sponge drenched in sweet milk, topped with fluffy cream – a perfect harmony of textures and flavours. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or a dessert wine and never fails to impress guests.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this step-by-step recipe makes creating a Tres leches cake approachable and enjoyable. It’s a dessert that feels special but doesn’t demand complicated techniques or rare ingredients. By following these steps, you'll deliver a delightful and authentic experience every time.

Have you tried making a Tres leches cake before, or is this your first go? Let me know how it turns out in the comments – and happy baking!

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