Mexican Tres Leches Cake

This Mexican tres leches cake is made of a delicate sponge cake soaked in a three-milk mixture, which includes evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Is then topped with sweet whipped cream and garnished with fresh strawberries!

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Tres leches cake is a popular and delicious dessert that originates from Latin America, particularly Mexico. It is known in Spanish as pastel de tres leches and is a favorite for birthdays and special occasions.

This Mexican cake offers a satisfying blend of sweetness, creaminess, and moistness.

The flavor is rich, and the texture is a delightful combination of the tender cake and the creamy, soaked layers, making it a beloved dessert with a unique taste experience.

Ingredients

• Flour —all-purpose flour.
• Sugar —use granulated sugar.
• Whole milk
• Oil —neutral-flavored oil works well, like corn or sunflower oil.
• Eggs — I used 6 medium eggs.
• Baking powder
• Lime —juice and zest.
• Vanilla extract
• For the 3 milk mixture: You’ll need whole milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. You’ll also need some vanilla extract for flavor.

How To Make Mexican Tres Leches Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C and grease a 9×13″ (22×33 cm) baking pan with butter.

Step 1. Make the sponge cake

Separate egg yolks and whites in two different mixing bowls. Set aside.

Add the sugar to the bowl with egg yolks and use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat them until you achieve a fluffy and yellow pale mixture.

Add lime zest and vanilla extract, and mix for a few seconds. Add flour and baking powder and beat on low speed for 1 minute.

Pour in milk, oil, and lime juice. Beat at low speed until there are no lumps in the batter. Set aside.

Clean the beaters, then add salt to the egg whites and beat for 2 minutes at high speed or until stiff peaks form.

Add the egg white mixture to the bowl with the batter and gently fold in with a spatula.

Top Tip: Make sure to mix just until all the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and using a spatula, spread to even out the surface.

Step 2. Bake

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Place the cake on a cooling rack and let it cool down completely.

Step 3. Make the 3 leches mixture & soak the cake

In a large measuring cup or bowl pour whole milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. Mix well to combine.

Pierce the surface of the cake with a fork. Then pour the milk mixture all over, making sure to pour it near to the edges too.

Tip: Start with about half the mixture, wait a few minutes, and then pour the rest to ensure the cake soaks evenly.

Cover with cling film and chill the cake for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight.

Step 4. Make the topping & decorate

• Pour the heavy cream into a mixing bowl and beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes or until soft peaks form.
• Spread the whipped cream over the cake.
• Sprinkle the pastel de tres leches with a little bit of powdered cinnamon.
• Place fresh strawberries or any fruit you prefer on top of the cake for decoration.

Expert Notes And Tips

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
• Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder) to ensure a smooth and lump-free cake batter.
• When you’re incorporating the egg whites mixture into the batter, make sure to not overmix or the cake won’t be as fluffy as it’s supposed to be.
• If you’re in a hurry and need to decorate the cake as soon as possible, place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to cool it down. If you don’t cool the cake, the cream will melt.
• Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it clean before slicing the cake. This helps in clean and smooth cuts.

How To Store

Tres leches cake lasts up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature because it contains dairy products (milk, whipped cream) that can spoil if left at room temperature.

Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the cake tightly. Ensure that the covering is airtight to prevent the cake from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

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