Print

Creamy Tres Leches Cake

creamy tres leches cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A luscious and moist tres leches cake soaked in a blend of three milks, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a rich caramel drizzle. Perfect for an easy homemade dessert that feels special and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly dust with flour.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Add whole milk and vanilla extract; mix gently.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula.
  5. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining ½ cup sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  6. Carefully fold egg whites into yolk batter in three additions, maintaining airiness.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and top is lightly golden.
  8. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.
  9. Whisk evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk together in a large measuring cup or bowl.
  10. Poke holes all over the cake using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour milk mixture over cake, allowing it to absorb evenly (10-15 minutes).
  11. Cover cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  12. Before serving, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium to stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over soaked cake.
  13. To make caramel drizzle, melt sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat without stirring until deep amber. Remove from heat, whisk in butter until melted, then slowly add heavy cream and salt. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
  14. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over whipped cream layer just before serving. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

Use a clean, dry bowl for whipping egg whites to achieve stiff peaks. Fold batter gently to keep it airy. Soak the cake slowly and evenly for best texture. Chill cake overnight for maximum flavor. Warm caramel gently if it hardens too quickly. For dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk and coconut cream. Glass pans may require slightly longer baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cake, creamy dessert, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, easy homemade dessert, moist cake, traditional Mexican cake

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-tres-leches-cake-recipe-perfect-for-easy-homemade-dessert/