Description
To truly appreciate this dessert, it helps to break down what makes it so special. The phrase “tres leches” translates from Spanish directly to “three milks.” Traditionally, a tres leches cake is a sponge cake soaked in three distinct types of dairy products: sweet condensed milk, rich evaporated milk, and heavy cream or fresh whole milk.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Tres Leches Mixture
- 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz/354 ml) evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
- Fresh strawberries or cherries, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. - Mix the dry ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. - Beat the eggs and sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high speed for 3–5 minutes, until pale, fluffy, and slightly thickened. Add the vanilla. - Make the batter:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Avoid overmixing. - Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Poke the cake:
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork, poke holes all over the cake. - Add the three-milk mixture:
Whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk or cream, and vanilla. Slowly pour the mixture evenly over the entire cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. - Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, preferably overnight, so the cake becomes thoroughly moist and flavorful. - Make the whipped topping:
Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft-to-medium peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled cake. - Finish and serve:
Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and garnish with fresh berries if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Latin American
- Cuisine: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485 kcal
Keywords: Three milk poke cake, Latin tres leches cake, soaked vanilla poke cake, homemade tres leches dessert