Tres Leches Cake

Three Milks, Lots of Flavor!

Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love a dessert that’s basically an excuse to eat cake soaked in sweet, creamy goodness? Tres Leches Cake, or "three milks" cake, is a Latin American classic that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s the perfect dessert to whip out when you want to impress your friends or, you know, just treat yourself because you deserve it.

But first, a little backstory to make you sound extra cultured when serving it: Tres Leches Cake is believed to have originated in Central America or Mexico. The use of condensed milk and evaporated milk became popular in the 20th century, thanks to recipe promotions by canned milk companies. Over time, this cake earned its iconic status as a dessert that’s moist, rich, and just the right amount of over-the-top indulgence.

Now that you’re armed with fun facts, let’s dive into this irresistibly moist, spongy, and creamy cake recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds).

What this recipe brings to the table

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of three milks (tres leches) creates a rich and creamy flavor without being overly sweet.
Moist and Tender Cake: The sponge cake absorbs the milk mixture beautifully, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Versatile: Dress it up with cinnamon or keep it simple with whipped cream — it’s perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Tres Leches Cake tastes even better the next day after it’s had time to soak up all the flavors.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Yes! You can double the ingredients and bake the cake in a 9x13 pan for larger gatherings.

Q: How should I store it?

A: Keep the cake refrigerated and covered for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for the Best Tres Leches Cake

Refrigeration is Key: Letting the cake chill overnight allows the flavors to meld and ensures maximum moistness.
Use Fresh Whipping Cream: For the fluffiest topping, use cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand.
Customize the Flavor: Add a splash of rum or almond extract to the milk mixture for a unique twist.

Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Yield: 9 servings

Serving Size: 1 slice

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
5 large eggs, separated
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream
1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
1/3 cup (80ml) evaporated milk
½ cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F . Grease and flour your baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until pale and thick. Mix in the milk and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the egg white mixture into the yolk mixture. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture and Finish it Off:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface.
Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it soaks into every part. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, if desired.
Slice and serve chilled.

For nutrition information for this recipe, please use the recipe builder in the app of your choice based on your ingredients and brands used.