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Authentic Tres Leches Cake

This Authentic Tres Leches Cake is incredibly moist and sweet, making it a must-try dessert that will impress everyone!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1.5 cups Cake Flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 4 ounces Butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup Sugar plus 1 tablespoon
  • 5 large Eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract

For the Milk Mixture:

  • 1 cup Evaporated Milk
  • 1 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 cup Whole Milk

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure your cake bakes evenly.
  • Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish with butter and lightly dust it with flour.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of cake flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
  • Cream together 4 ounces of softened butter and 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
  • Add the 5 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
  • While the cake is cooling, combine 1 cup of evaporated milk, 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of whole milk in a mixing bowl and whisk until well blended.
  • Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Let it sit for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the fridge for best results.
  • In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form.
  • Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake and garnish with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Notes

  • For the best flavor, let the cake soak overnight.
  • Get creative with toppings; fruits like strawberries or mangoes complement the cake beautifully.
  • This cake can be made a day or two in advance, perfect for gatherings.