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Tres Leche Cake

This Latin American classic is an incredibly moist sponge cake soaked in three milks and topped with whipped cream.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream for topping
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for topping
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for topping

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with a mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix to combine.
  6. Slowly add the flour mixture to the egg mixture alternately with whole milk, mixing just until combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk in a bowl.
  9. Once the cake is cool, poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer, then slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake.
  10. Refrigerate the soaked cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to absorb the milk mixture.
  11. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes.
  12. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake, then chill the cake for an additional 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Make this cake a day before serving to enhance the flavor as it soaks in the milk mixture overnight.