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Tres Leches Cake

Irresistible Tres Leches Cake: A Moist, Creamy Dream Dessert

Experience the rich, moist goodness of Tres Leches Cake, a Latin American dessert that delights with every bite.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: DESSERTS
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (sifted) Provides structure and stability
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Ensures the cake rises beautifully
  • ¼ teaspoon salt Enhances the overall flavor
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled) Adds richness; can substitute with neutral oil
  • 1 cup sugar Sweetens the cake
  • 5 whole eggs Creates a light, airy texture
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses the cake with lovely flavor
For the Soaking Mixture
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk Essential for soaking
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk Adds a creamy texture
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream or Media Crema For soaking
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract Adds flavor to the soaking mixture
  • 4 tablespoons rum or brandy (optional) Introduces depth
For the Frosting
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream Foundation of fluffy topping
  • 4 tablespoons sugar (for frosting) Sweetens the topping
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) Adds delightful flavor
For Garnish
  • Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, kiwi, or canned peaches/mangos) Introduces color and freshness

Equipment

  • 13x9 inch baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Spatula
  • saucepan

Method
 

How to Make Tres Leches Cake
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with butter.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until combined.
  3. Beat the eggs one at a time on medium speed, gradually adding sugar until fluffy and pale.
  4. Mix in the melted butter and vanilla on low speed, then fold in the flour mixture until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool the cake completely, then poke holes all over to allow the milk mixture to soak in.
  7. Combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla in a saucepan and warm gently.
  8. Pour the milk mixture over the cooled cake and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Beat cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form in a chilled bowl.
  10. Spread the whipped cream over the cake and garnish with fresh fruit just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 200mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch!

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