Tres leches cake, which means “three milks cake” in Spanish, is a sponge cake soaked in a rich blend of three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Light, airy, and incredibly moist, this Latin American dessert is served chilled and topped with whipped cream. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you want something indulgent yet delicate. This recipe serves 8 to 10.
Ingredients
For the sponge cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar (divided: 3/4 cup for yolks, 1/4 cup for whites)
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the milk mixture:
1 can (400ml) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (370ml) evaporated milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
For the topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon or fresh fruit for garnish (optional)
How to Make Tres Leches Cake
Make the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and thick. Stir in milk and vanilla.
Gently fold in the flour mixture.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Take your time to keep it airy.
Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
Soak the cake:
Poke holes all over the top of the cake using a fork or skewer.
Mix the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream in a bowl.
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, letting it soak in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight.
Make the topping:
Whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake.
Serve:
Slice and serve cold, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit if desired.
Tres leches cake is soft, chilled, and rich without being heavy. The sweet milky soak and fluffy whipped cream topping make every bite creamy and satisfying. It’s a festive dessert that always impresses and disappears quickly from the plate.
