Tres Leches Cake Recipe Tastes Better From Scratch from tastesbetterfromscratch.com
Tres leches cake is a traditional cake in Latin America that literally translates to “three milks cake”. This delicious and moist cake is made with a combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream that is poured over a light and fluffy sponge cake. It is then topped with a delicious layer of whipped cream, making it a favorite among people from all walks of life.
How to Make a Traditional Tres Leches Cake
Making a traditional tres leches cake is surprisingly easy and can be made with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. You will need: all-purpose flour, baking powder, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
To start, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, and then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a large platter.
How to Make the Milk Mixture
Once the cake has cooled, it’s time to make the milk mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 can of evaporated milk, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream until fully combined. Pour the mixture over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
How to Make the Whipped Cream Topping
When the cake is ready to be served, it’s time to make the whipped cream topping. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of sugar. With an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks. Spread the whipped cream on top of the cake and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon. Serve and enjoy!
Variations of the Traditional Cake
The traditional tres leches cake is delicious as is, but there are many variations of the recipe that can be made depending on your tastes and preferences. For example, you can replace the evaporated milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. Or, you can replace the heavy cream with yogurt for a healthier version. You can also add fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, or mangoes, for a fruity flavor.
Tips for Making the Perfect Tres Leches Cake
Making the perfect tres leches cake isn’t difficult, but there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. For example, make sure to whisk the milk mixture for at least 3 minutes to ensure that all of the ingredients are fully combined. Also, make sure to use a light hand when pouring the mixture over the cake to avoid it becoming too soggy. Finally, be sure to refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
Tres leches cake is a delicious and traditional cake that is loved by people all over the world. With a few simple ingredients and a few tips and tricks, you can make a delicious tres leches cake that will have everyone coming back for more. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking!