If you’re looking to indulge in a dessert that is both rich and refreshing, look no further than the classic Tres Leches Cake. This traditional Latin American cake is soaked in three types of milk, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. It’s perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat to end a meal. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe and learn how to make a Tres Leches Cake that will wow your taste buds.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup white sugar
5 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups whole milk
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Gather the Ingredients:
Ensure you have all the ingredients measured and ready. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Sift together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder in a bowl. Set this mixture aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup of white sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes.
Add the 5 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Combine and Bake:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, about ½ cup at a time, mixing until well blended.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, pierce the cake all over with a fork. This will help the milk mixture to soak in. Let the cake cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Milk Mixture:
In a bowl, combine 2 cups of whole milk, 1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 (12 fluid ounce) can of evaporated milk. Mix well.
Soak the Cake:
Pour the milk mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring it soaks in evenly. Let the cake absorb the milk mixture thoroughly.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
In a chilled glass or metal bowl, whip 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 cup of white sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with an electric mixer until thick and fluffy.
Finish the Cake:
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
Refrigerate and Serve:
Keep the cake refrigerated until serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes the cake even more refreshing. Slice and enjoy this delightful Tres Leches Cake with family and friends!
Tips for the Perfect Tres Leches Cake
Chill the Bowl and Beaters: For the best whipped cream, ensure your bowl and beaters are well-chilled before whipping the cream.
Soaking Time: Allow the cake plenty of time to soak up the milk mixture. Ideally, prepare it the day before serving and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
Garnish: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the cake with fresh berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tres Leches Cake is a timeless dessert that is sure to impress with its rich, creamy texture and delicious flavor. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, this recipe is a must-try!