Classic Mexican Tres Leches Cake: Rich, Creamy Dessert That Melts in Your Mouth

Authentic Mexican Tres Leches Cake – A Decadent Milk-Soaked Dessert

This tres leches cake recipe creates the most incredibly moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or special occasion. The delicate sponge cake soaks up a sweet three-milk mixture, resulting in a dessert that’s rich yet surprisingly light. If you’ve never experienced the joy of a properly made milk cake, you’re in for a real treat!

Why You’ll Love This Tres Leches Cake Recipe

• Perfect texture – Light sponge cake that soaks up the milk mixture beautifully
• Make-ahead friendly – Actually tastes better when made a day in advance
• Crowd pleaser – The creamy, sweet flavor profile appeals to everyone
• Authentic flavor – Traditional Mexican recipe with all the classic elements

Ingredients for the Perfect Tres Leches Cake

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Three-Milk Mixture:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh berries, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tres Leches Cake

1. Prepare your oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add ½ cup sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining ½ cup sugar until pale and thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract and ⅓ cup milk.
5. Combine everything: Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Then carefully fold in the beaten egg whites until just combined – be careful not to deflate the whites.
6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
7. Prepare the milk mixture: While the cake is cooling, whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and vanilla in a bowl.
8. Poke and soak: Using a fork, poke holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Make the topping: Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
10. Finish and serve: Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake. Dust with ground cinnamon if desired. Cut into squares and serve with fresh berries if you wish.

Tips for a Perfect Mexican Tres Leches Cake

• Beat egg whites properly – Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease for the best volume.
• Fold gently – Use a light hand when folding in egg whites to maintain their air bubbles and create a light sponge.
• Cool before soaking – Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before adding the milk mixture so it can absorb properly.
• Chill thoroughly – The longer the cake chills, the more flavorful it becomes. Overnight is ideal!
• Add fruits – Fresh strawberries, peaches, or mangoes make excellent accompaniments to cut through the richness.

Common Questions About Tres Leches Cake

How long does tres leches cake last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, this cake will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves after the first day!

Can I make tres leches cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this cake benefits from being made 1-2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to fully develop as it chills.

Why is my cake soggy instead of moist?

The cake should be moist but not soggy. If it’s too wet, you may have added too much milk mixture or not baked the cake fully before soaking it.

Can I freeze tres leches cake?

It’s not recommended to freeze the fully assembled cake, but you can freeze the unfrosted sponge cake and then defrost, soak, and top it when ready to serve.

Nutrition Information

The Perfect Occasion for Tres Leches Cake

This classic tres leches cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration that calls for something special. In Mexico, it’s a popular choice for celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, weddings, and quinceañeras. The cake’s incredible moisture and rich flavor make it a memorable dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Whether you’re new to Mexican desserts or a seasoned baker looking for an authentic recipe, this traditional tres leches cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes