Tres Leches Cake – Moist, Creamy, and Decadent

Tres Leches Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that soaks a light sponge cake in a sweet mixture of three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, this cake is moist, creamy, and full of flavor. Perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert, Tres Leches Cake is as delicious as it is visually impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra-Moist – The milk soak ensures a soft, tender texture in every bite.
Sweet & Creamy – A perfect balance of sponge cake and rich milk flavor.
Simple to Make – Easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for parties and casual enough for family dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Milk Soak:

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Beat Eggs
   In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in milk and vanilla. Gradually fold in dry ingredients.
3. Whip Egg Whites
   In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into the batter.
4. Bake
   Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
5. Add the Milk Soak
   In a bowl, combine evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a fork and slowly pour the milk mixture over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the cake to soak.
6. Top with Whipped Cream
   Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread over the soaked cake and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~320
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 35g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Cool the Cake Completely – Ensures the milk soak is absorbed evenly.
• Refrigerate Overnight – For the best flavor and texture, soak overnight.
• Garnish Creatively – Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel enhance presentation.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of light sponge cake and the rich milk mixture creates a perfectly moist, tender, and flavorful cake. Topped with whipped cream, it balances sweetness and texture, making each bite indulgent yet satisfying.

Tres Leches Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that delivers maximum flavor and moisture with minimal effort. Elegant, creamy, and perfect for any occasion, it’s a dessert that will impress everyone at the table.