Tres Leches Recipe – Mexican Three Milk Cake
This delightful Tres Leches cake, a traditional Mexican dessert, is an indulgent experience, combining the rich flavors of three different types of milk to create a moist, sweet, and unforgettable treat. With a fluffy vanilla cake soaked in a creamy milk mixture and topped with a light whipped cream frosting, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially after a hearty Mexican meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Caster Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Whole Eggs | 2 |
| Sunflower Oil | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Evaporated Milk or Whole Milk | 400 ml |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 400 ml |
| Fresh Cream | 500 ml |
| Double Cream | 2 cups |
| Icing Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Total Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 30 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Eggetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Baking the Cake
To commence the preparation of the Tres Leches cake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating up, take an 8-inch square or round baking pan and generously grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the vanilla extract, sunflower oil, and milk, whisking them together until they are well-blended. Set this mixture aside momentarily. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring that there are no lumps. This helps create a lighter cake texture.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the whole eggs and caster sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes on medium speed. Gradually pour in the milk mixture while continuing to beat the eggs, allowing everything to incorporate smoothly. Next, gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined; take care not to overmix.
Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 2: Preparing the Milk Mixture
While the cake cools, you can prepare the milk mixture known as “leches.” In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a serving platter or dish. Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the surface of the cake to allow the milk mixture to soak in better. Slowly pour the leches mixture over the cake, ensuring it saturates thoroughly. To enhance the soaking process, refrigerate the cake overnight, and every hour or so, return to the cake and pour any milk mixture that collects in the platter back over the cake to ensure it absorbs as much as possible.
Step 3: Making the Whipped Cream Topping
For the final touch, in a clean mixing bowl, whip the double cream, icing sugar, and the remaining vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial, as you want a firm yet smooth texture that can be piped or spread over the cake beautifully.
Once whipped, either pipe or spread the whipped cream over the top of the Tres Leches cake, creating a lovely decorative finish. After applying the cream, refrigerate the decorated cake for about an hour or more to let the flavors meld and the whipped cream set.
Step 4: Serving the Tres Leches Cake
To serve, sprinkle the Tres Leches with a touch of cinnamon powder and garnish with some fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor. For an additional twist, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy to the milk mixture for a sophisticated touch.
Enjoy this scrumptious Tres Leches cake as a delightful dessert after a vibrant Mexican meal, such as a Delicious Spiced Red Bean Mexican Burrito Bowl with Avocados and Cheesy Garlic Mayo, for a truly satisfying culinary experience that combines sweet and savory delights.
Final Thoughts
Tres Leches cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience of textures and flavors that transport you to the heart of Mexican cuisine. With its moist sponge cake, luxurious milk mixture, and luscious whipped cream topping, this cake is perfect for any celebration or simply to indulge your sweet tooth. Make sure to share this delightful treat with family and friends, as it’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy your culinary journey with this classic Mexican dessert!
