This tres leches cake recipe is a light sponge poured with evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream. It is not coconut cream pie and not an icebox cake.
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Tres Leches Cake
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Tres leches cake soaked with three milks. From Alissa at Yummy Dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup (200g) sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped with 2 tablespoons sugar, for the top
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale. Beat in milk and vanilla. Fold in flour. Beat whites to soft peaks, then beat in the remaining sugar. Fold the whites into the batter.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes until a pick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Poke holes all over.
- Whisk the three milks and pour slowly over the cake. Chill at least 4 hours. Spread whipped cream on top before serving.
Notes
The cake should look almost too wet. A dry slice means the sponge was too dense or the milk sat on top and ran off. Pour slowly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Soaked sponge, not a cream pie
Coconut cream pie is a custard in a crust. This is a poked sheet cake.
Substitutions
A splash of rum in the milk soak is optional. Skip it for a family sheet.
Mistakes to avoid
A stiff meringue-like batter that was overbeaten can collapse. Soft peaks are enough.
Storage
Refrigerate 4 days. Keep it covered so the top cream does not take on fridge smells.
Nutrition (estimated)
About 360 calories per serving. Estimate only, not a lab test.
FAQ
What are the three milks?
Evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It is better the next day.
Why is the bottom dry?
The milk was poured too fast and ran to the edges. Spoon it back over the center.
Individual cakes?
A muffin tin works. Shorten the bake and pour less milk into each cup.