Easy Tres Leches Cake
Make authentic Tres Leches Cake at home with this easy recipe. Moist, creamy, and perfect for celebrations with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for topping
- Fresh strawberries or maraschino cherries for garnish
- 2 tablespoons rum or 1 tablespoon rum extract (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- 2
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a medium bowl, then set aside.
- 3
Separate your eggs carefully, placing whites in a large mixing bowl and yolks in another bowl.
- 4
Beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and thick, approximately 3 minutes.
- 5
Stir the whole milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract into the yolk mixture, then gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
- 6
In the large bowl with egg whites, beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes, gradually adding the remaining 1/4 cup sugar while beating.
- 7
Fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two additions, being careful to maintain airiness with gentle strokes until no white streaks remain.
- 8
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- 9
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes while you prepare the three-milk mixture.
- 10
Combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and rum extract (if using) in a measuring cup and whisk together until blended.
- 11
Pierce the warm cake all over with a fork, creating many small holes to allow the milk mixture to penetrate throughout.
- 12
Slowly pour the three-milk mixture evenly across the entire surface of the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually, about 5 minutes.
- 13
Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
- 14
Whip the chilled heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- 15
Spread or pipe the whipped cream topping across the entire surface of the chilled cake just before serving.
- 16
Garnish with fresh strawberries or maraschino cherries and serve directly from the baking dish or slice into portions.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| sweetened condensed milk | evaporated milk mixed with 2 tablespoons honey | reduces added refined sugar while maintaining creamy richness and binding properties |
| all-purpose flour | combination of 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup almond flour | almond flour adds protein and fiber while maintaining light cake structure |
| heavy whipping cream topping | Greek yogurt whipped with 1 tablespoon honey and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla | Greek yogurt provides creaminess with added protein and probiotics for gut health |
| 1/4 cup granulated sugar in egg whites | 3 tablespoons coconut sugar or date paste | lower glycemic index sweeteners reduce blood sugar spike |
| whole milk in batter | unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | reduces saturated fat and lactose while maintaining moisture |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12)
| Calories | 340 |
| Total Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 165mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 32g |
| Protein | 9g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
