Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake, or “Three Milks Cake,” is a beloved dessert in Latin American cuisine known for its rich, moist texture and sweet flavor. This decadent cake is soaked in a mixture of three different types of milk—whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk—resulting in a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Topped with a fluffy whipped cream topping and a hint of cinnamon, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion.

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 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the cake.
2. Prepare 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 small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
4. Bake Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
5. Soak Cake: Using a fork, pierce the top of the cooled cake all over. In a large bowl, mix together the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb the liquid.
6. Prepare Whipped Topping: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake, covering it entirely.
7. Chill and Serve: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of the cake for added flavor and decoration, if desired. Refrigerate the cake for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to fully set. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips:

• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream topping before serving.
• To enhance the flavor of the cake, you can add a splash of rum or rum extract to the milk mixture for a delicious twist.
• Be sure to refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh, as the milk-soaked layers require proper chilling to maintain their texture and moisture.