Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe: A Delightfully Simple Dessert
This recipe simplifies the classic Tres Leches cake, making it accessible for even beginner bakers. It retains all the moist, creamy deliciousness you expect, without the complicated steps. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredibly easy yet elegant dessert!
What is Tres Leches Cake?
Tres Leches Cake, meaning "three milks" cake, is a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This creates an incredibly moist and rich texture that's simply irresistible. It's a popular dessert in Latin America, and for good reason!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
For the Three Milks Mixture:
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
For the Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Sliced strawberries
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. A hand mixer works perfectly for this step.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Gently stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
2. Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on it!
3. Making the Three Milks Mixture:
- While the cake is baking, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream in a large bowl until well combined. This creates the signature creamy, milky soak.
4. Soaking the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the warm cake using a fork or toothpick. This allows the three milks mixture to penetrate evenly.
- Slowly pour the three milks mixture over the cake, ensuring it's evenly soaked. You might need to gently tilt the pan to help distribute the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.
5. Serving and Enjoying:
- Once chilled, garnish with your favorite topping, such as whipped cream and fresh berries. This adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor.
- Slice and serve! Enjoy this unbelievably moist and delicious Tres Leches cake.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Poke plenty of holes: This ensures even soaking.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours: This allows the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture and develop its signature texture.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different fruits, chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
This easy Tres Leches cake recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make. So, gather your ingredients and get baking! You won't regret it.
