Traditional Three-Milk Cake
Tres Leches Cake—often known as “Three Milk Cake”—is a beloved dessert throughout Latin America and adored worldwide. This indulgently soft cake is soaked in a trio of milks, giving it an incredibly tender, custard-like texture. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh fruit, it’s a stunning treat perfect for gatherings, birthdays, and celebrations. Below is a refreshed version of the recipe with an easy-to-read ingredient chart.
Tres Leches Cake Ingredients
Gather the following items before you start:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 5 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Whole Milk | ½ cup |
| Evaporated Milk | 1 can (12 oz) |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Fresh Fruit (optional) | For garnish |
How to Make the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and airy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Incorporate the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients in portions, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Soaking the Cake
The magic of Tres Leches comes from its signature milk infusion:
- After the cake cools completely, use a fork or toothpick to poke holes all over its surface.
- In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.
- Slowly drizzle the milk blend over the cake, letting it seep in evenly.
- Cover the cake and chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight—for the best texture.
Finishing Touches
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks hold.
- Spread the whipped cream over the cooled, soaked cake.
- Garnish with fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi for fresh flavor and color.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Tres Leches
Add cocoa powder to the batter for a decadent chocolate twist.
Coffee Tres Leches
Mix strong brewed coffee into the batter to create a coffee-infused version.
Coconut Tres Leches
Fold shredded coconut into the batter and top with toasted coconut for a tropical take.
Tres Leches Cupcakes
Prepare the batter in cupcake tins and individually soak each cake for perfect single-serve portions.
Tres Leches Cake is a rich, velvety dessert that brings the heart of Latin American baking into your home. With the helpful table and simple directions, you can recreate this classic favorite and savor every silky, sweet slice.
