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Perfect Tres Leches Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Cinco de Mayo Dessert

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An easy and reliable tres leches cake recipe that delivers a moist, airy sponge soaked in a luscious three-milk mixture, topped with light whipped cream. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional garnishes: fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries), ground cinnamon or toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Separate eggs carefully. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup (150g) sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Add milk and vanilla, mix until combined.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into yolk mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup (50g) sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  6. Fold egg whites into batter in three additions gently to keep cake light and fluffy.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  9. While cake cools, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and cinnamon for the soak.
  10. Once cooled, poke holes all over the cake with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over cake, allowing it to soak in. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  11. Before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream generously over soaked cake.
  12. Garnish with fresh berries or a light dusting of cinnamon or toasted coconut flakes. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better volume. Fold batter gently to keep it airy. Cool cake completely before soaking to avoid sogginess. Poke holes evenly for even soak absorption. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor. Whip cream just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and cream; for gluten-free, use almond flour but expect texture differences.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cake, tres leches, Cinco de Mayo dessert, easy tres leches, homemade tres leches cake, Mexican dessert, moist cake, creamy cake

Find it online: https://grubella.com/perfect-tres-leches-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cinco-de-mayo-dessert/