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tres leches cake

Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe: Moist and Irresistible

Tres Leches Cake is a moist and decadent Latin American dessert soaked in three kinds of milk—evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This classic cake is soft, spongy, and rich without being overly sweet. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s the perfect treat for celebrations or a delightful after-dinner indulgence.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: One 9x13-inch cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 5 large eggs, separated

  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided

  • ⅓ cup whole milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture:

  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  • ½ cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  • Beat Egg Yolks & Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until pale and creamy. Stir in the milk and vanilla.

  • Whip Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

  • Combine Batter: Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

  • Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

  • Prepare Milk Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.

  • Soak the Cake: Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

  • Make Whipped Topping: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

 

  • Assemble & Serve: Spread whipped topping over the soaked cake. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of rum or coconut extract to the milk mixture.

  • Serve with fresh berries or a caramel drizzle for a gourmet touch.

 

  • This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
  • Calories: ~320
  • Sugar: ~36g
  • Sodium: ~105mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: ~90mg

Keywords: Tres Leches Cake, Latin Dessert, Milk Cake, Moist Cake, Classic Cake