Tres Leches Cake – Classic Style

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Brush the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking pan with a little butter and set it aside.

Step 2: 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 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Scrape Down the Bowl

Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: 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 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Scrape Down the Bowl Again

Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all batter is mixed.

Step 7: 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 3-4 minutes.

Step 8: 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.

Step 9: Fold in Egg Whites

Carefully and patiently fold in 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 1-2 minutes.

Step 10: Bake the Cake

Pour the prepared cake batter into the buttered 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake in the video was baked for 22 minutes.

Step 11: 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.

Step 12: 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.

Step 13: 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.

Step 14: 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 2-3 minutes.

Step 15: Frost and Decorate

Spread the whipped 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.

Step 16: Serve

The Tres Leches Cake is now ready to be served. Enjoy!

• Be careful and patient when folding in the beaten egg whites to maintain the airy texture of the batter.

• Allow the cake to soak in the milk mixture for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, for maximum moisture and flavor.