Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Video)

Easy tres leches cake is a moist, flavorful dessert topped with creamy frosting and fresh berries, perfect for any celebration. Discover how we create this irresistible treat in our kitchen, and follow along with our step-by-step video tutorial!

What is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres leches cake is like a heavenly cloud of sweetness from Latin America—so moist and creamy, it’s almost like pudding! Each bite is a perfect blend of lightness from the cake and richness from the milky soak. Topped with whipped cream for an extra treat, it’s basically a comforting hug in dessert form! The name ‘Tres leches’ itself means ‘three milks’ in Spanish, referring to the trio of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream typically used in its making.

Step by Step Video guide:

Ingredients for the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup whole milk

Ingredients for Syrup:

• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 10 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Ingredients for the Frosting:

• 2.5 cups heavy whipping cream (can be less if you desire less thick frosting)
• 2/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

Instruction:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks.
• Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; in another bowl, mix egg yolks with sugar, milk and vanilla.
• Gradually add dry mixture to egg yolk mixture, then fold in beaten egg whites until smooth.
• Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
• While cake bakes, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream for the syrup.
• Once cake is baked, let it cool for 30 minutes, then poke holes on top with a fork.
• Slowly pour prepared syrup over cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
• Whip cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
• Spread whipped cream frosting over chilled cake and garnish with berries before serving. Enjoy!

Instructions in Pictures:

Tips to make a great this Easy Tres Leches Cake:

1. Choose the Right Cake: Start with a sponge cake that has a light and airy texture. A sponge cake with a tight crumb structure works best for soaking up the milks without becoming too soggy.
2. Poke Holes: Once your cake is baked and cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface allowing the milk mixture to seep into the cake evenly.
3. Mix the Milks: Combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream for the soaking mixture. You can adjust the ratio according to your taste preference.
4. Soak Gradually: Pour the milk mixture over the cake gradually, allowing it to absorb before adding more. This helps prevent the cake from becoming overly soggy or collapsing under the weight of the liquid.
5. Chill: After soaking the cake, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for few hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and for the cake to fully absorb the milks.
6. Serve Cold: Tres leches cake is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator. The cold temperature enhances the creamy texture and keeps the cake refreshing.
7. Garnish Creatively: Before serving, top the cake with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
8. Let it Rest: Allow the cake to rest for a few minutes after slicing to let any excess liquid drain off and to ensure neat slices.

To store Tres Leches cake:

1. Refrigerate Quickly: If there are leftovers, put the cake in the fridge. It keeps it fresh longer because of the milk in it.
2. Wrap Well: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container to keep it moist and stop it from absorbing other smells in the fridge.
3. Use Within a Few Days: Tres Leches cake is best eaten within a couple of days.

Can you freeze tres leches cake?

1. Freezing Tres Leches cake isn’t ideal because it might become soggy when thawed.
2. If you have to freeze it, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the freezer.
3. Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to eat it.
4. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may not be as good as when the cake is fresh.

Does Tres Leches cake usually have a soggy texture?

It should be moist and creamy without being soggy. Achieving the right balance is key: the cake should absorb the milky mixture while staying light and airy. If it’s overly soggy, it might have been soaked for too long or be too dense.

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