Tres Leches Cake Recipe

This tres leches cake recipe is a classic Mexican dessert known for its light sponge texture and rich milk-soaked flavor. Made with three types of milk and topped with fluffy whipped cream, it is considered one of the best tres leches cake recipes for home bakers. This easy tres leches cake recipe delivers bakery-style results and works perfectly for family gatherings or special occasions. Learn how to prepare Tres Leches Cake Recipe step by step.

Ingredients

Cake
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup white sugar
5 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Milk Mixture
2 cups whole milk
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

Topping
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder and set aside. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then pierce the surface all over with a fork.

In a bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Slowly pour this milk mixture over the cooled cake, allowing it to soak in completely. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Once the cake has absorbed the milk, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top. Refrigerate until ready to serve and sprinkle with ground cinnamon before slicing.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 24
Yield: One 9×13-inch cake