Tres Leches Cake Recipe: Easy and Delicious
Are you looking for an easy and delicious Tres Leches cake recipe? Look no further! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and will impress your friends and family. This decadent dessert is known for its incredibly moist and spongy texture, achieved by soaking the cake in three kinds of milk. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides a simple breakdown of ingredients, making it easy to follow. Precise measurements are crucial for baking success!
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Sliced strawberries
- Chocolate shavings
Easy Steps to Baking Perfection:
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, making it easy even for novice bakers. Clear instructions are crucial for a successful Tres Leches cake.
1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- 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.
2. Making the Milk Mixture:
- While the cake is baking, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Soaking the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before poking holes all over the top with a fork or toothpick.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture over the warm cake, ensuring it soaks evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milk. The longer it soaks, the more moist and flavorful it will be!
4. Adding the Finishing Touches:
- Once the cake has soaked, you can add your favorite topping. Whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and chocolate shavings are classic choices. Get creative and personalize your Tres Leches cake!
5. Chilling and Serving:
- For the best flavor and texture, cover the cake and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips for Tres Leches Cake Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps ensure even mixing and baking.
- Let the cake cool slightly before poking holes: This prevents the cake from falling apart.
- Be patient with the soaking process: Allow ample time for the cake to absorb the milk mixture for optimal moistness.
This easy Tres Leches cake recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us! Happy baking!
