Tres Leches Cake

Tres leches cake is a classic Latin American pastry that never goes out of style. This dessert combines the softness of a vanilla sponge cake with the creaminess of a three-milk mixture and the delicacy of whipped cream. It is perfect for any special occasion or just to enjoy with the family. In this post, I will take you step by step through the preparation of this delicious cake.

What is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres leches cake consists of a spongy vanilla sponge cake that is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. The result is a moist, sweet and absolutely irresistible dessert. It is served cold and is usually decorated with whipped cream, meringue or even buttercream, depending on your preference.

Torta Tres leches

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 6 Eggs

• 200 g Sugar (1 cup)

• Vanilla

• 70 ml Milk (approx. 1/4 cup)

• 140 g All-purpose flour (approx. 1 cup)

• 4 g Baking powder (1 teaspoon)

• 16 g Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)

  
  

For the Three Milks Mix:

• 395 g Condensed milk (1 can)

• 250 ml Evaporated milk (1 cup)

• 250 ml Cream (1 cup)

  
  

For the Chantilly Cream:

• 250 ml Whipping cream (1 cup)

• Vanilla

• 50 Powdered sugar (approx. 1/2 cup)

Video Recipe:

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Separate the eggs: Divide the whites and yolks into separate containers.

2. Beat the egg whites: In a bowl, beat the egg whites with 50 g (1/4 cup) of sugar until stiff peaks form. The egg whites are ready when they form firm peaks.

   

   
   

3. Prepare the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks together with the remaining sugar and vanilla until the mixture has a pale color.

   

   
   

4. Add the dry ingredients: Add the previously sifted flour, baking powder and cornstarch to the egg yolks, alternating with the milk. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

   

   
   

5. Combine the egg whites: Add the beaten egg whites to the previous mixture using circular movements to avoid losing the incorporated air.

   

   
   

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into a 22 cm diameter by 8 cm high round mould, previously greased and floured. Bake at 170 °C for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

   

   

   
   
   

Prepare the Three Milks Mix:

1. In a bowl, combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream.

2. Mix with a hand mixer or use a blender to ensure that the ingredients are perfectly integrated.

   

   

   
   
   

Soaking the Cake:

1. Once the cake is baked, let it cool for a few minutes and then remove it from the pan.

2. Place it in a deep bowl and make small holes in its surface with a fork or a toothpick. This will allow the three milk mixture to completely cover it.

3. Pour the three milk mixture evenly over the cake. Place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or, preferably, overnight so that it absorbs the liquids well.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

Prepare the Chantilly Cream:

1. In a cold bowl, beat the whipping cream together with the icing sugar and vanilla until firm and fluffy.

2. Be sure not to over-beat to prevent the cream from curdling.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

Decorating the Cake:

1. Covering the cake: Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the entire surface of the cake, making sure to cover the edges evenly.

2. Decorative elements:

   • Fresh fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi slices add color and freshness.

   • Chocolate chips: Ideal for a fun touch.

   • Piping Bag Designs: Use decorative nozzles to make patterns with the whipped cream.

   • Fondant: Create personalized figures or letters for special occasions.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

Care when decorating:

• Avoid excessive moisture: If you use fresh fruit, make sure to dry it well before placing it on the cake to prevent it from releasing liquids.

• Proper temperature: Decorate the cake just before serving or keep it refrigerated so that the whipped cream retains its firmness.

• Careful handling: Use clean, dry utensils to avoid contaminating the cream or damaging the finish.

Duration and Conservation

• Refrigeration: Tres leches cake should be kept refrigerated due to its high dairy content. Store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.

• Storage time: The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. After this time, its texture and flavor may be affected.

• Freezing: Although not ideal due to its liquid content, you can freeze the cake without the three milk mixture. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost it in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating.

Tips and Variations

• For extra flavor: Add a splash of liquor, such as rum or Amaretto, to the tres leches mixture.

• Custom toppings: If you prefer something different than whipped cream, try Italian meringue or a layer of chocolate ganache.

  
  

Tres leches cake is a dessert that you fall in love with at first sight and conquers everyone with its flavor. With this detailed recipe, you have everything you need to successfully prepare it at home. Dare to experiment with the ingredients and decoration to make it unique. Bring out your baking side and surprise your loved ones with this classic delight!