Tres Leches Cake – Classic Style
For the Cake
For the Milk Mixture
For the Whipped Cream Frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Brush the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking pan with a little butter and set it aside.
Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat three egg yolks and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This should take approximately .
Scrape Down the Bowl
Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients
Add 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the egg yolk mixture. Mix with the electric mixer until just combined and the mixture becomes thick.
Incorporate Milk and Vanilla
When the mixture gets really thick, add 2 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue to beat with the electric mixer until the batter is smooth and well combined, approximately .
Scrape Down the Bowl Again
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all batter is mixed.
Beat Egg Whites
In a separate clean bowl, beat 3 egg whites using an electric mixer until soft peaks are formed when the beater is lifted. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, little at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, which should take about .
Prepare for Folding
Add a small amount of the beaten egg whites to the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold it in to lighten the batter and prepare it for the main folding step.
Fold in Egg Whites
Carefully and patiently the remaining beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula. Use a gentle, upward motion to incorporate the egg whites without deflating the batter. Continue until no streaks of egg white remain and the batter is uniformly light and airy. This process should take about .
Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared cake batter into the buttered 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 175°C) (175 degrees Celsius (approximately 345°F)) for , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake in the video was baked for .
Poke Holes in the Cake
While the cake is still warm, use a fork or a toothpick to poke numerous holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the milk mixture to soak in thoroughly.
Prepare the Milk Mixture
In a measuring cup or bowl, combine 1/3 cup evaporated milk, 4 tablespoons fresh milk, and 1/3 of a can of condensed milk. Stir well with a fork until all three milks are thoroughly mixed.
Soak the Cake
Pour the entire milk mixture evenly over the warm, poked cake. Allow the cake to soak up all the milk for about an hour at room temperature, or for best results, refrigerate overnight.
Prepare Whipped Cream Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pack of all-purpose cream and 2 tablespoons of sifted confectioner's sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the cream is fluffy and holds soft peaks, approximately .
Frost and Decorate
Spread the cream frosting evenly over the soaked Tres Leches Cake. Dust the top with cinnamon powder using a sieve. Arrange sliced strawberries on top for decoration.
Serve
The Tres Leches Cake is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 6 swaps
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
No Egg?
- 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water (rest 5 min) — Per egg, best in baking.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce — Per egg, in sweet baked goods.
- 1/4 cup silken tofu, blended — Per egg.
No All-purpose flour?
- White whole wheat flour (1:1)
- 1 cup minus 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp cornstarch (cake flour swap)
No Baking powder?
- 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (per 1 tsp)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk (replace some liquid)
No Milk?
- Unsweetened almond / soy / oat milk (1:1)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water (per 1 cup)
No Vanilla extract?
- Maple syrup (1:1)
- Vanilla bean: 1 inch scraped (per 1 tsp extract)
Plan Ahead
Complete this step earlier to save time later.
- View Step 13Soak the CakeOvernight
Pour the entire milk mixture evenly over the warm, poked cake. Allow the cake to soak up all the milk for about an hour at room temperature, or for best results, refrigerate overnight.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
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