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Ultimate Creamy Tres Leches Cake

creamy tres leches cake recipe - featured image

A rich, moist, and light sponge cake soaked in three types of milk and topped with a tangy whipped cream and cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations and everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396 ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional garnishes: ground cinnamon, fresh berries or sliced strawberries, toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Separate the egg yolks from the whites into two different bowls, ensuring no yolk gets into the whites.
  3. Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup (150g) sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Add whole milk and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture gently.
  5. Whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add remaining 1/4 cup (50g) sugar and whip until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Fold one-third of whipped egg whites into yolk batter to lighten, then fold in remaining whites carefully until no streaks remain.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a rack, about 1 hour.
  8. Whisk evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk (or heavy cream) together until smooth.
  9. Poke holes all over cooled cake with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over cake. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, longer preferred.
  10. Beat heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
  11. Spread whipped topping evenly over soaked cake. Dust with cinnamon or garnish with berries if desired. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Notes

Use organic eggs and high-quality vanilla extract for best flavor. Keep cream cheese softened at room temperature for smooth topping. Poke holes before soaking to prevent sogginess. Chill soaked cake for several hours or overnight for best results. Folding whipped egg whites gently keeps cake light. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour; for dairy-free, use coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese.

Nutrition

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