Are you unsure what dessert to make for Christmas dinner? Tres Leches Cake. Potluck with friends? Tres Leches. Anniversary dinner? Tres Leches!
It is one of the most timeless desserts, feeling both indulgent and comforting.
There is a history to this decadent dessert. It originates from Latin America, with Mexico and Nicaragua both claiming strong ties to its popularity.
The classic Tres Leches dessert is a light sponge cake soaked in three different kinds of milk, then finished with whipped cream.
Result? An incredibly moist, not-too-sweet cake that practically melts in your mouth.
The guide will walk you through two reliable approaches: a homemade Tres Leches cake from scratch and an easy Tres Leches cake recipe with box cake for when time is short.
What Is Tres Leches Cake Made Of?
At its core, this cake consists of four main components:
- Sponge Cake: It is made light, airy, and often made without butter for more absorption.
- Three Milks: a combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
- Whipped cream: homemade or boxed.
- Garnish: berries, dulce de leche, or ground cinnamon.
Cake becomes magical and decadent when the baked cake is poked with holes and slowly soaked in the milk mixture.
The patient and slow process transforms an ordinary sponge into the best tres leches cake you’ve had at home.
Homemade Tres Leches Cake (From Scratch)
Ingredients (Cake)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 5 large eggs (separated yolks and whites)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients (Three Milks Soaking Mixture)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Ingredients (Topping)
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until pale and creamy. Add milk and vanilla. Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture.
- In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites until you see soft peaks forming.
- Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and beat to stiff peaks. Fold whites into the batter in three additions, being gentle to keep the air.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool 15 minutes.
- While the cake cools, whisk evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.
- Poke the entire surface of the cake with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, letting it soak.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Whipped Cream Topping
Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to medium-stiff peaks. Spread over the fully chilled and soaked cake. Dust with cinnamon if desired.
Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe with Box Cake (Shortcut Version)
When you want authentic flavor with minimal effort, a doctored box mix works surprisingly well.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box—usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream + 3 Tbsp powdered sugar for topping
Quick Method
- Cool for Bake the cake mix according to package directions in a 9×13 pan. Cool for 15 minutes.
- Poke holes all over with a fork.
- Whisk the three milks together. When combined, pour the mixture slowly over the cake.
- Refrigerate for 4+ hours. Overnight is best.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and spread on top before serving.
Many home bakers swear this shortcut version is nearly indistinguishable from scratch once fully soaked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should Tres Leches Soak?
For the best texture, let the cake soak at least 4–6 hours in the refrigerator. However, the flavor and moisture peak after a full overnight rest (8–12 hours). The sponge needs time to fully absorb the milk without becoming gummy.
Can You Make Tres Leches a Day Ahead?
Absolutely, in fact, it’s encouraged. Tres leches cake is one of the few desserts that actually improves when made 24–48 hours in advance. Just add the whipped cream topping no more than a few hours before serving, so it stays fluffy.
How to Store Tres Leches Cake
Because of the dairy content, always store Tres Leches covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soaked (unfrosted) cake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh whipped cream before serving.
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