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A delectable slice of Tres Leches cake with a pristine white topping.

Best way to grow Tres Leches Cake in 3 Steps

This recipe outlines a delicious and relatively simple way to prepare a Tres Leches Cake, perfect for any occasion. The "growing" aspect in the title seems to be a playful way to describe the expansion of the cake as it bakes and soaks up the milk mixture.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup milk
Tres Leches Mixture
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 14 ounces condensed milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
Whipped Topping
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Fork

Method
 

Bake the Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
Prepare and Soak
  1. In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream for the Tres Leches mixture.
  2. Once the cake is cool, poke holes all over the top of the cake with a fork.
  3. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator.
Finish and Serve
  1. For the topping, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  2. Spread the whipped topping over the soaked cake.
  3. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with cinnamon or fresh fruit.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a splash of rum or Kahlua to the milk mixture. If chilling overnight, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Adjust sugar in the whipped topping to your preference.