Tres Leches

Tres Leches is a luscious Latin American dessert known for its unique texture and delightful sweetness. This cake, soaked in a blend of three milks—evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream—creates an incredibly moist and rich flavor that is hard to resist. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet ending to any meal, Tres Leches is sure to impress your guests with its creamy decadence.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit for topping (optional)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 2 hours for soaking and refrigeration.

Nutritional Value

Each serving of Tres Leches (approximately 1 slice) contains about 300 calories, 10g fat, 45g carbohydrates, and 4g protein. This is based on a standard serving size.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture gradually.
6. Stir in the milk until well combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.
8. While the cake is baking, mix the three milks in a bowl.
9. Once the cake is done, poke holes all over the surface with a fork.
10. Pour the milk mixture over the warm cake and let it soak for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
11. Before serving, whip the heavy cream and spread it on top of the cake.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Additionally, use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream to accommodate vegan diets.

Serving and Pairings

Tres Leches pairs beautifully with fresh berries, citrus fruits, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve it alongside coffee or a refreshing iced beverage for a delightful experience.

Storage and Reheating

Store Tres Leches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is not recommended to freeze due to the texture change. Simply serve chilled, as it is best enjoyed cold.

Cooking Mistakes

• Do not skip poking holes in the cake; this allows the milk to soak in properly.
• Ensure the cake is completely cool before pouring the milk mixture.
• Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Be careful not to overbake; a dry cake won’t absorb the milk well.

Helpful Tips

• For extra flavor, add a splash of rum or coffee to the milk mixture.
• Decorate the cake with toasted coconut or chocolate shavings for added texture.
• Let the cake soak overnight for the best flavor and moisture.
• Use a serrated knife for clean slices when serving.

FAQs

What is Tres Leches?

Tres Leches is a traditional Latin American dessert made by soaking a sponge cake in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Its name translates to “three milks,” highlighting the key ingredient that gives it its unique texture.

Can I make Tres Leches ahead of time?

Yes, Tres Leches can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.

Is Tres Leches gluten-free?

Traditional Tres Leches contains all-purpose flour, making it not gluten-free. However, you can substitute it with gluten-free flour blends to create a gluten-free version of the cake.

Can I use different types of milk?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk for a unique flavor profile or dietary needs.

How long does Tres Leches last?

Tres Leches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best served cold and tends to absorb the milk mixture over time, enhancing its flavor.

Conclusion

Tres Leches is a delightful dessert that embodies the essence of Latin American cuisine. Its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to please everyone.

Tres Leches

A delicious Latin American dessert soaked in three types of milk, creating a rich and moist cake that's perfect for any occasion.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Latin American

Keyword: tres leches, dessert, Latin American, cake, sweet treat

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit for topping optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture.
• Stir in the milk until well combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.
• While the cake is baking, mix the three milks in a bowl.
• Poke holes in the warm cake with a fork.
• Pour the milk mixture over the cake and let it soak for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
• Whip the heavy cream and spread it over the top of the cake before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g