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Tres Leches Cake, often hailed as one of the most heavenly desserts in the world, is a sweet delight that captivates taste buds with its lusciousness and rich history. It’s a family favorite, since it is such a beloved treat in so many countries in South America. Need an authentic tres leches cake recipe? This one is easy to follow and will delight everybody who tastes it!

What makes Tres Leches so utterly delicious? The secret lies in its name, which translates to “Three Milks.” This dessert starts with a simple sponge cake soaked in a luxurious combination of three different types of milk: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk or heavy cream. The result is a cake that’s moist, creamy, and impossibly decadent. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The first time I tried it in Chile, I was hooked!

Tres Leches has transcended its Latin American origins and gained popularity across the globe. It has found its way into the hearts and menus of many countries. In Mexico, Tres Leches is often enjoyed during celebrations and family gatherings. In the United States, it has become a cherished dessert in Mexican and Latin American restaurants. My local grocery stores in Miami always have it in their bakery sections! In Nicaragua, it’s a staple for birthdays. In other countries, similar desserts are known as “milk cake.”

If you have never tried it, imagine a poke cake with sweet condensed milk topped with whipped cream. This great recipe will allow you to make this heavenly Latin American dessert in no time, whether for Hispanic Heritage Month, cinco de mayo, or for any special occasion.

The origin of Tres Leches Cake

The name “Tres Leches” itself reveals the dessert’s essence. It’s believed that this cake’s origins trace back to a recipe promoted by milk companies in Latin America in the mid-20th century. These companies sought to boost milk sales by showcasing creative ways to use their products. The three kinds of milk used in Tres Leches serve both to enhance flavor and to showcase the versatility of dairy products. 

Is tres leches usually topped with whipped cream or meringue?

Tres Leches cake is typically topped with whipped cream, not meringue. The whipped cream complements the cake’s richness and adds a light and airy contrast to the creamy, soaked sponge cake. The topping of whipped cream can be further garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the overall flavor and presentation. While meringue is a delicious topping for some desserts, it is not commonly used on traditional Tres Leches cakes.

What equipment do I need to make Tres Leches?

The ingredients for this dessert are easily found at your local grocery store. You will also need:

• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Electric or hand mixer
• 9 x 13 baking pan. This one is my favorite because it includes a lid that seals the cake while it chills in the fridge.
• Toothpicks or fork
• Silicone or rubber spatula

Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Prep: 15 minutes

Yield: 12 servings

• 1 ½ cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar, divided
• 5 eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 176 C. Prepare a 9×13 baking pan by greasing and flouring the sides and bottom.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with 1 cup sugar until fluffy, about 6 minutes. 
4. Add the eggs, one at a time and scrape down the sides between each addition. Then, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix just until blended.
5. Add the flour mixture to the batter a little at a time, scraping down the sides and beating until well blended.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth evenly. 
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle returns clean. Place the baking dish on a wire rack and poke holes on the top of the cake with a fork. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature.
8. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Pour milk mixture over the cake. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight.
9. With a whisk or electric mixer with the whisk attachment, mix the heavy cream with the remaining vanilla. Continue whipping the cream while adding the sugar in a steady stream. Continue beating the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
10. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
11. Serve the cake as it is or with strawberries. You can also add a little dulce de leche and turn it into a “cuatro leches” or four milks cake! 

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

What are some variations to the traditional Tres Leches recipe?

Tres Leches cake is a delightful dessert with a rich history, and there are several creative variations to the traditional recipe that add unique flavors and textures. Here are some popular variations:

1. Chocolate Tres Leches: This variation incorporates chocolate into the cake batter or the milk mixture, resulting in a decadent chocolate-flavored Tres Leches cake. Cocoa powder, chocolate chips, or even a layer of chocolate ganache can be used to infuse chocolate goodness into the dessert. Or simply add chocolate shavings when serving.
2. Fruit Tres Leches: Add fresh fruit like strawberries, peaches, or mangoes as a topping. The fruit adds texture and a refreshing contrast to the creamy cake. You may also add fresh berries.
3. Coconut Tres Leches: Coconut enthusiasts can enjoy a tropical twist by incorporating coconut milk or shredded coconut into the milk mixture or cake batter. This variation offers a subtle coconut flavor that complements the overall richness.
4. Coffee Tres Leches: Coffee lovers can add a layer of coffee-infused milk to the cake, creating a delightful coffee-flavored Tres Leches dessert. Espresso powder or brewed coffee can be used to achieve this flavor.
5. Cuatro Leches: in many Argentinean bakeries and restaurants you will find the traditional Tres Leches topped with dulce de leche, the delicious caramel that is popular in Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Colombia.
6. Frosting or Meringue: While traditional Tres Leches is topped with whipped cream, some variations use different toppings like meringue or a flavored frosting for added visual appeal and flavor complexity. Upscale bakeries will even toast the meringue with a torch.

Which variation would you like to try?

More Latin American recipes

• Dulce de leche flan
• How to make the best alfajores or dulce de leche cookies
• Homemade churros recipe
• Perfect for Brunch: Mouthwatering Tres Leches Waffles

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