If you look at the dessert menu at a Mexican restaurant, you will probably see tres leches cake on there. It’s popular in Mexico and Latin America, and for good reason. It’s like the original poke cake, which are always popular in the summer because they are served chilled and are so refreshing. But I’m always too stuffed to order it when we are eating out! This really is the best tres leches cake recipe that is an authentic version of the classic Mexican dessert. It’s made from scratch and absolutely delicious! Planning a Mexican feast? Try another of our favorite Mexican food recipes like Carne Asada, Homemade Flour Tortillas, and Guacamole as well. And don’t forget a pitcher of Horchata!
What is Tres Leches?
Tres leches means “three milks”. The cake gets its name from the three types of milk used to soak the light, fluffy sponge cake that is made with whipped egg whites and no butter and oil so it’s extra absorbent. A fork is used to poke holes all over the top of the cake to make sure the liquid can reach every last bite. The three milks in tres leches are evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. They are combined and poured over the cake after it is baked, and the spongy cake soaks up every drop of delicious liquid making it the moistest, yummiest cake you can imagine that somehow manages to not be squishy or soggy in a bad way.
Why This Recipe Works
So easy! Not only is there no fancy decorating or stacking layers involved, but you don’t even need to worry a ton about overbaking because even if you go a little too long and dry out the cake a bit, no one will be the wiser once it soaks in the sweet three milk mixture. Make-ahead friendly. You can easily make this cake a day or two ahead so you aren’t rushing last minute to make dessert for a dinner party. Simple, wholesome flavors. The timeless flavors of sweet cream and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla are classic. And the strawberry garnish not only makes the cake look pretty, but adds a nice fruity element if you choose to use them.
Ingredient Notes
You might notice that there is no butter or oil in this cake. That’s an intentional omission as this cake doesn’t need it, and it actually helps the cake soak up the milk mixture better without it.
Eggs: The yolks are separated from the white, which are beaten separately and added to provide the lift and characteristic texture of this type of sponge cake. Milk: Whole milk is best in this recipe, but if all you have is 2% or skim, those will work too. Sweetened condensed milk: I’m obsessed with this thick, creamy, sweet stuff. We use it in Brazilian lemonade and it’s soooooo good. Evaporated milk: This is really just milk that has had the liquid reduced by about 60%. It’s a shelf-stable milk that can be used in most recipes that call for milk to make it extra rich or creamy. You can make your own by simmering 3 ¼ cups of regular whole milk on the stove over medium-low heat for 25 minutes or so, stirring frequently, until reduced to about 1 ⅓ cups. Just be careful not to burn it. Heavy whipping cream: For the topping. There is nothing like freshly whipped cream!
How to Make Tres Leches Cake
Storing Instructions
Tres leches cake is good for 3-4 days when stored in the fridge. If you know you won’t be eating the cake for a day or two, I recommend waiting to top with the whipped cream until just before serving because if it is not fully whipped it may lose volume over time.
Recipe Tips
Don’t overwork the batter when adding the egg whites. With this type of batter, you are adding volume through the beaten egg whites and stirring too vigorously will knock out a lot of the air you worked to add by beating the egg whites separately. Poke plenty of holes. It’s okay to go to town with poking holes over the top of the cake so that the three milk mixture can really soak down into it. Kids love this job and are happy to help. Don’t go overboard with the cinnamon. It would be easy to overwhelm the delicate flavor of the sweet cream with too much spice. A light sprinkling for color and hint of cinnamon is all you really want for this simple cake recipe.
More Cake Recipes
Strawberries and Cream Sheet Cake Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
Easy Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
Flan de Queso
The Best Churros Recipe
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