Tres Leches Cake

Prep Time: 1 Hour 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

Total: 40 Minutes

Servings: 12

Experience the magic of a true Latin American favorite with our homemade Tres Leches Cake. This ultra-moist dessert starts with an airy, delicate sponge cake baked to golden perfection using whipped egg whites for that signature light-as-a-cloud texture. Once baked, the cake is poked and soaked in a rich, decadent trio of milks—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk—until it melts in your mouth. Finished with a cloud of fresh whipped cream and a gentle dusting of cinnamon, this irresistible treat is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Ingredients:

  • Ingredients 

    Cake:

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour, (120 g)
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, (6 g)
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 5 large eggs, , separated
    • 1 cup granulated sugar, , divided (200 g)
    • 1/3 cup whole milk, (80 ml)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, (5 ml)

    Milk Mixture:

    • 12 ounce can evaporated milk, (354 ml)
    • 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, (396 ml)
    • 1/4 cup whole milk, (60 ml)

    Whipped Topping:

    • 1 pint heavy whipping cream, (475 ml)
    • 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar, (24 g)
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, (2.5 ml)
    • ground cinnamon for topping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients and Separate Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Separate your eggs into two separate mixing bowls (yolks in one, whites in the other).
  3. Mix the Yolks: Add 3/4 cup of sugar to the bowl with the egg yolks and beat on high speed until the yolks turn pale yellow. Stir in 1/3 cup of milk and the vanilla. Pour this yolk mixture directly over the flour mixture and gently stir just until combined—take care not to over-mix.
  4. Whip the Whites: Using electric beaters, beat the egg whites on high speed. As they begin to whip into stiff peaks, gradually beat in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into your batter, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl until fully incorporated.
  5. Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into an ungreased baking pan and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely.
  6. Prepare the Milk Soak: While the cake cools, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk in a small bowl. Once the cake is completely cool, use a fork to poke holes all over the top.
  7. Soak the Cake: Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the top of the cake, paying special attention to pour near the edges and all around. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight) so it can fully absorb the liquid.
  8. Top and Serve: Whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla together until stiff peaks form. Smooth the whipped cream topping evenly over the cake and dust with cinnamon. Serve with fresh sliced strawberries if desired, and enjoy!