Print

Perfect Tres Leches Cake Recipe Easy Creamy Milk Soak Step-by-Step

perfect tres leches cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, approachable tres leches cake with a creamy milk soak that transforms a light sponge into a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk, warm
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, cold
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: cinnamon powder or fresh berries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray, then dust with flour, tapping out excess.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with ½ cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in warm whole milk and vanilla extract.
  4. Gently fold the flour mixture into the yolk mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
  5. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining ½ cup sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  6. Fold one-third of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whites carefully until combined.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  9. While cake cools, mix sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cold whole milk, and optional ground cinnamon until combined.
  10. Poke holes all over the cooled cake surface using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk soak evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  11. Just before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  12. Spread whipped cream evenly over soaked cake. Garnish with cinnamon powder or fresh berries if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better volume. Cool cake completely before soaking to avoid sogginess. Pour milk soak slowly to ensure even absorption. Whip cream just before serving for best texture. For dairy-free, substitute milks and cream as noted. Gluten-free flour can be used but expect a denser texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cake, milk soaked cake, creamy dessert, easy tres leches, celebration cake, moist cake, vanilla cake, whipped cream topping

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/perfect-tres-leches-cake-recipe-easy-creamy-milk-soak-step-by-step/