Best Easy Tres Leches Recipe

A sponge cake soaked in three milks and topped with whipped cream is Mexico's most beloved dessert. This family celebration classic is a moist, decadent, unforgettable treat.

Cook 110 min Difficulty NORMAL 330 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 1 cup
  • baking powder 1.5 tsp
  • large eggs 5 pieces
  • granulated sugar 1 cup
  • whole milk 0.25 cup
  • unsalted butter (melted, cooled) 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vanilla extract 2 tsp
  • sweetened condensed milk 12 oz
  • evaporated milk 12 oz
  • heavy cream 1.5 cups
  • powdered sugar 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 43 g 52%
Protein 7 g 8%
Fat 14 g 40%
Serving size 140g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, stir together flour and baking powder. In a stand mixer, beat eggs and granulated sugar on high for 5 minutes until thick and pale. Reduce speed and stir in melted butter, whole milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

  3. 3

    Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

  4. 4

    Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    In another bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, 0.5 cup heavy cream, and 1 tsp vanilla. Slowly pour the three-milk mixture all over the cooled cake, ensuring even soaking. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

  6. 6

    Whip the remaining 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over the soaked cake. Slice and serve chilled.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Tres Leches recipe?
The key ingredients are the trio of milks: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. These not only give Tres Leches its signature moist and decadent texture but also provide its iconic rich flavor.
Q. Why is precise baking time important when making Tres Leches cake?
Precise baking (25–30 minutes) ensures the sponge cake is fully set but still airy enough to absorb the milk mixture without getting soggy. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake that resists soaking, while underbaking leaves it too dense.
Q. How can I prevent the Tres Leches cake from turning mushy?
Cool the cake thoroughly before pouring on the milk mixture, and add the milks slowly so it absorbs evenly. Letting the cake soak in the fridge for several hours allows it to moisten fully without breaking apart, preserving a tender crumb.
Q. What are the nutrition facts per serving for this Tres Leches recipe?
Each serving (140g) contains approximately 330 kcal, with 43g carbohydrates (52% of calories), 7g protein (8%), and 14g fat (40%). The cake is moderately high in carbs and indulgently rich, making it a festive treat rather than an everyday choice.
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