Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a classic Latin American dessert known for its soft, sponge-like texture soaked in a rich three-milk mixture. Light yet decadently creamy, this cake is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect balance of sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a party or a special treat at home, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super moist and tender – The cake absorbs the three-milk mixture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and steps for a bakery-quality dessert.
• Perfect for celebrations – A great dessert for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings.
• Make-ahead friendly – Best when chilled overnight, making it a convenient dessert option.
• Customizable toppings – Enjoy with fruit, caramel, or chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk or heavy cream

For the Topping:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat Eggs & Sugar – In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Stir in vanilla and milk.
4. Combine – Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
5. Bake – Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Cool & Poke Holes – Let cake cool, then use a fork to poke holes all over the surface.

Add the Tres Leches Mixture:

7. Mix the Three Milks – Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk.
8. Soak the Cake – Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, letting it absorb fully.
9. Chill – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Make the Whipped Topping:

10. Whip Cream – Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
11. Spread & Serve – Spread over the chilled cake, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Tres Leches – Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.
• Coconut Tres Leches – Use coconut milk in the milk mixture and top with toasted coconut.
• Berry-Topped Cake – Garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries.
• Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle dulce de leche or caramel sauce over the whipped topping.
• Spiced Version – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without the whipped topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding whipped cream.
• Serving Tip: Best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Why is my Tres Leches Cake soggy?

It should be very moist but not mushy. Be sure to let the cake absorb the milk gradually and refrigerate properly.

Can I use a cake mix instead?

Yes! Use a vanilla or butter cake mix as a shortcut, but homemade tastes best.

Do I need to poke holes in the cake?

Yes, this helps the milk soak in evenly without pooling on top.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better when made a day ahead and chilled overnight.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve cold, straight from the fridge, with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Can I use only two kinds of milk?

Yes, but the combination of three milks gives the signature richness.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Try using dairy-free condensed milk, evaporated coconut milk, and almond milk.

How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use less sugar in the whipped cream.

What type of flour works best?

All-purpose flour is best for a light yet sturdy texture.

Can I add alcohol?

Yes! Some versions include a splash of rum or Kahlúa in the milk mixture.

Conclusion

Tres Leches Cake is a rich, moist, and irresistible dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its signature three-milk soak and fluffy whipped topping, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it traditional or with a fun twist, this classic cake is always a hit!

Print