Tres Leches Recipe
Tres Leches Recipe
Rated 5.0 stars by 2 users
Servings
12-16
Prep Time
45-60 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Savor the exquisite flavors of Tres Leches cake, a beloved classic. This delightful dessert, rich with the infusion of three different milks and crowned with a lavish layer of whipped cream, is an epitome of indulgence. The cake, moist and tender, absorbs the sweetened condensed milk, condensed milk, and regular milk, resulting in a divine taste that lingers on your palate. The finishing touch of fluffy whipped cream adds a perfect balance, making every bite a pure delight. Whether adorned with fresh berries, pistachios, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, this Tres Leches cake is an absolute treat for your taste buds. Embrace the creaminess and sweetness in every forkful, and let this dessert bring joy to your senses.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- - 6 large eggs, separated
- - 200 grams sugar
- - 200 grams all-purpose flour
- - 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
- - A pinch of salt
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Milk Mixture
- - 1 can (354 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- - 1 can (410 ml) condensed milk (7.5% fat)
- - 240 ml milk
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- - 475 ml heavy cream
- - 25 grams sugar
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (fan-forced) and line a 20x30 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with 150 grams of sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and stir.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 50 grams of sugar while continuing to beat until the egg whites are glossy and firm.
Mix the flour and baking powder in another bowl.
Add the flour mixture and the beaten egg whites alternately to the egg yolk mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the milk mixture by mixing the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and milk in a bowl.
Once the cake has cooled, use a toothpick or fork to poke several holes in the surface.
Slowly pour the prepared milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb the liquid. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to allow it to soak up the milk mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Generously spread this mixture over the chilled cake.
Before serving, you can garnish the Tres Leches cake with fresh berries, pistachios, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Recipe Video
Tres Leches Questions
Tres Leches cake is a traditional Latin American dessert, named for its unique soaking in a blend of three different types of milk: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and regular milk. It is said to have originated in Nicaragua and is popular throughout Central and South America, as well as in the United States. It is often served at celebratory events and evokes nostalgia.
To ensure your Tres Leches cake is perfectly soaked, allow it to cool completely before applying the milk mixture. Poke holes evenly across the surface before slowly pouring the milk mixture over, allowing it to absorb gradually. Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for at least three hours or ideally overnight, tightly covered.
Yes, you can customize your Tres Leches cake for dietary restrictions by using substitutes like flaxseed or chia seed mixtures for eggs, and plant-based milk alternatives for a non-dairy version. You can also look for dairy-free recipes for sweetened condensed milk and reduce sugar or use natural sweeteners as needed.
To make the whipped cream topping sturdier, use heavy cream with a fat content above 36%. Stabilize it by adding cornstarch or dissolved gelatin. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to enhance the texture and stability of the whipped cream.
Garnishing ideas for Tres Leches cake include fresh berries for color, chopped nuts for texture, edible flowers for elegance, a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon, and drizzles of caramel or chocolate sauce for indulgence.
