🍰 Tres Leches Cake – A Latin American Classic

Tres Leches Cake, or Pastel de Tres Leches, is a beloved dessert across Latin America. It’s a light, fluffy sponge cake soaked in a rich mixture of three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Topped with whipped cream, this moist and decadent cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion.

🧾 Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake (Metric/Gram Version)

For the Sponge Cake:

1. 120g all-purpose flour
2. 8g baking powder
3. 2g salt
4. 5 large eggs (approx. 250g without shell)
5. 200g granulated sugar (split: 150g + 50g)
6. 80ml whole milk
7. 5ml vanilla extract

For the Milk Soak (Tres Leches):

1. 400ml evaporated milk
2. 300ml sweetened condensed milk
3. 200ml heavy cream

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

1. 250ml heavy whipping cream (minimum 35% fat)
2. 30g powdered sugar
3. 5ml vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 How to Make Tres Leches Cake – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Grease and line a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Sponge

1. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Separate egg whites and yolks.
3. Beat egg yolks with 150g sugar until thick and pale. Mix in milk and vanilla.
4. In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 50g sugar, beating to stiff peaks.
5. Fold the yolk mixture into the whites gently. Then fold in dry ingredients in batches.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 3: Soak the Cake

1. Cool the cake slightly, then poke holes all over using a skewer or fork.
2. Mix the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream together.
3. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread over the cold cake before serving.

📸 Optional Garnishes

1. Ground cinnamon
2. Fresh berries (e.g. strawberries, raspberries)
3. Toasted coconut
4. Chocolate shavings

🌟 Tips for Perfect Tres Leches Cake

1. Use room-temperature eggs for better volume.
2. Don’t overmix the batter—fold gently to keep it airy.
3. Let the cake fully absorb the milk mixture for the best texture.
4. Always add whipped cream just before serving for a fresh finish.