How to Make Tres Leches Cake
1. Gather Ingredients and Tools
Before you start making your tres leches cake, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Three Milks:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Tools:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick or cake tester
Make sure you have everything on hand before starting to make the cake. This will make the process much smoother and ensure that you don’t run into any last-minute snags.
2. Prepare the Cake
Once you have gathered all the ingredients and tools, it’s time to prepare the cake. Follow these steps:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mixing well after each addition.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before adding the three milks.
Preparing the cake is the first step in making tres leches cake. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your cake turns out delicious and moist.
3. Mix the Three Milks
The next step in making tres leches cake is to mix the three milks. Here’s how to do it:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream until well combined.
Once the cake has cooled completely, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will help the three milks to soak into the cake.
Slowly pour the three milks mixture over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the cake to soak up the three milks mixture.
Mixing the three milks is crucial for creating the signature moist and creamy texture of tres leches cake. Take your time and make sure to cover the entire surface of the cake with the mixture for the best results.
4. Assemble the Cake
Now that the cake has soaked up the three milks mixture, it’s time to assemble the cake. Follow these steps:
Remove the cake from the refrigerator and uncover it.
Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the top of the cake. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own by whipping heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
If desired, you can decorate the cake with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assembling the cake is the final step in making tres leches cake. Adding whipped cream and decorations not only make the cake look beautiful, but also add additional flavor and texture.
5. Decorate and Serve
The last step in making tres leches cake is to decorate it and serve it. Here’s how:
Remove the cake from the refrigerator and uncover it.
If you haven’t already, add any desired decorations to the cake such as fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cut the cake into squares and serve.
If you have leftovers, store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tres leches cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. By following these steps, you can easily make this classic cake at home and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
