Tres Leches Cake: A Heavenly Delight
The Tres Leches Cake, a delightful dessert originating from Latin America, is known for its incredibly moist and spongy texture. This iconic cake is soaked in three kinds of milk – evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream – creating a symphony of creamy richness. This recipe will guide you through creating this culinary masterpiece, perfect for any special occasion or simply a delightful treat.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a 9x13 inch cake. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly if using a different sized pan.
For the Cake:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Strawberries, sliced
- Cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Cake Batter:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
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Beat the egg whites: In a large, clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This is crucial for a light and airy cake.
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Combine egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract.
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Gently fold in the egg whites: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until just combined. Be gentle to avoid deflating the egg whites.
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Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Soaking the Cake:
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Cool completely: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the milk mixture. This ensures even soaking.
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Prepare the milk mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream until well combined.
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Pour over the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, evenly pour the milk mixture over the top of the cake. It will soak in beautifully. You may need to gently tilt the pan to ensure all areas are saturated.
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Refrigerate: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture and develop its signature moist texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Tres Leches Cake chilled. Top with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of deliciousness. This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the milk mixture.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow it to fully absorb the milk.
Enjoy your incredibly moist and flavorful Tres Leches Cake! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Remember to share your baking creations with #TresLechesCake and tag your friends!
