Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a popular Latin American dessert that is soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk (or heavy cream). The result is a super moist, creamy cake that is decadently sweet and rich, yet light and fluffy. Topped with a whipped cream frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether a celebration or a casual treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Tres Leches (Milk Soak):

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor)

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar until the mixture is thick and pale, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) into the wet ingredients until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
7. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture. This will help create a light and airy texture.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Tres Leches Soak

1. Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the top using a fork or a skewer. This will allow the milk mixture to soak in more evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk (or heavy cream).
3. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it is evenly soaked. The cake will absorb the milk, becoming moist and creamy.
4. Allow the cake to sit for about 1 hour at room temperature, or refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to let it soak up the milk thoroughly.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake. You can either spread it evenly or pipe it into decorative peaks.

Step 4: Serve

1. Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. The cake can be topped with additional fruit (such as berries) if desired.
2. Enjoy this creamy, rich, and indulgent treat!

Tips and Variations:

1. Add Flavored Liqueur: For an adult twist, you can add a splash of rum or other flavored liqueur to the milk soak mixture.
2. Fruit Topping: Top the cake with fresh fruit like strawberries, peaches, or mangoes to add a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
3. Cake Variations: You can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free.
4. Make It Ahead: Tres Leches Cake is great for making ahead! In fact, the flavors get better after a day or two, so it’s perfect for preparing in advance for a party or family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Cake:

• Super Moist: The magic of Tres Leches Cake is in its soaking process. The cake absorbs the milk mixture, becoming ultra-moist and flavorful.
• Simple Yet Elegant: This cake is easy to make, but it looks and tastes luxurious. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
• Rich Yet Light: Despite its rich flavor from the milk soak, the cake is light and airy thanks to the whipped egg whites in the batter.

Storage:

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It’s best served chilled, and the flavors continue to develop over time.

This Tres Leches Cake is a delightful treat that’s sure to be a hit at your next celebration, gathering, or even as an indulgent everyday dessert. With its perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and lightness, it’s a cake that everyone will love!