Authentic Tres Leches Cake (Milk Cake)

How to Make the Ultimate Tres Leches Cake Recipe (with Step-by-Step Instructions)

There’s something magical about a Tres Leches Cake. Light, airy, and soaked in three kinds of milk, this cake has the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Popular in Latin American cuisine, Tres Leches Cake is a dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create the perfect Tres Leches Cake that everyone will love.

Recipe Overview

Dish Type	Dessert
Serving Size	12 servings
Difficulty Level	Easy
Cooking Time	30 minutes
Overall Prep Time	3 hours (including chilling time)
Calories	~280 kcal per serving

What is Tres Leches Cake?
Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Preparing the Cake
- Making the Milk Mixture
- Assembling the Cake
Tips for the Perfect Tres Leches Cake
How to Serve Tres Leches Cake
Key Takeaways and Variations

What is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres Leches Cake, which translates to “Three Milks Cake,” is a moist sponge cake soaked in a combination of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This soaking process gives it an ultra-soft texture, almost pudding-like, while the whipped cream topping adds a delightful touch of lightness. A staple dessert across Latin America, this cake is perfect for celebrations and gatherings.

Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake

For the Cake:

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
5 large eggs, separated
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture:

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

For the Topping:

1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh berries, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Separate the eggs: Place egg whites in one large mixing bowl and egg yolks in another.
Beat the egg yolks: Add ¾ cup of sugar to the yolks and beat until pale yellow and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Whip the egg whites: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Then, slowly fold in the flour mixture in batches to keep the batter light and airy.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 2: Making the Milk Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Whisk until well blended.
Once the cake is cool, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. This ensures the milk mixture is fully absorbed.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld.

Step 4: Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping

In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.

Tips for the Perfect Tres Leches Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs helps achieve maximum volume in the batter.
Don’t Skip the Holes: Poking holes ensures the milk mixture is evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Chilling is Key: Allowing the cake to chill ensures it absorbs all the liquid and enhances its flavor.
Choose Quality Milk Products: High-quality milk and cream will make a noticeable difference in taste.

How to Serve Tres Leches Cake

To serve, slice the cake into squares or rectangles. Garnish each slice with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it chilled to enjoy its full creamy and refreshing texture.