Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup sugar (for whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

Preparation

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool to room temperature.
5. Prepare the Milk Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Once the cake has cooled, pierce the top all over with a fork and slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake. Allow the cake to absorb the liquid thoroughly.
6. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
   In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
7. Assemble the Cake:
   Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon on top for added flavor.
8. Refrigerate and Serve:
   Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving. Serve chilled.

Tips and Variations

• Spice It Up: For a twist, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
• Fruit Topping: Garnish with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mango for added color and flavor.
• Chocolate Version: Substitute the vanilla extract with chocolate extract and add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate tres leches cake.
• Coconut Milk: Replace whole milk with coconut milk for a tropical variation.

How to Store

Store the Tres Leches Cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. This cake is best enjoyed cold, and refrigeration helps it retain its moisture.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Tres Leches Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, Tres Leches Cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes better the next day after the milk has had ample time to soak into the cake.

Q: Can I use a different size baking dish?
A: If you use a different size dish, you may need to adjust the baking time. Ensure a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean to check for doneness.

Q: Is there a non-dairy version of Tres Leches Cake?
A: You can substitute the dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, and vegan condensed milk. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Enjoy your delicious Tres Leches Cake, a delightful treat that is sure to impress!