Name: Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491012H43M54S
Total time: PT-491012H43M54S
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 5 large eggs, at room temperature, separated; ¾ cup (6 oz/170 g) granulated sugar, divided (¾ cup + ¼ cup); ⅓ cup (2 ½ fl oz/75 ml) whole milk, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; ¼ cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) whole milk, at room temperature; 1 ½ cups (12 fl oz/340 ml) heavy whipping cream; Ground cinnamon, for dusting

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If you are craving a dessert that’s creamy, indulgent, and packed with nostalgic charm, you absolutely must try this Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe. This delightful cake is soaked in a luscious blend of three kinds of milk, creating a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. The light sponge base paired with a cloud of whipped topping and a dusting of cinnamon sets the stage for a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a straightforward way to bring this beloved Latin American classic right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular cake with a golden brown bottom layer, sitting in a gray metal baking tray, is being covered with a thick, smooth layer of white frosting spread evenly on top. Next to it, the same tray shows an even layer of white frosting dusted with a light brown powder, being sprinkled through a small gold strainer. The white marbled texture background highlights the cake and frosting details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing moistness, sweetness, and the cake’s tender crumb.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cake structure without weighing it down.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly light and airy.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
5 large eggs, separated: The egg yolks add richness while the whites create a fluffy texture when whipped.
¾ cup plus ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the cake and stabilizes the egg whites.
⅓ cup whole milk: Makes the batter smooth and tender.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that unmistakable warm flavor everyone loves.
1 can evaporated milk (12 oz): Concentrated and creamy, essential for the signature milk syrup.
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): Brings incredible sweetness and thickness to soak into the cake.
¼ cup whole milk: Used in the syrup to balance the consistency.
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection for the fluffy topping.
Ground cinnamon (for dusting): A final aromatic touch that complements the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch pan – this ensures your cake releases easily after baking. Combine the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl to distribute everything evenly. In a mixer, whisk the egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until they thicken to a pale, fluffy texture, which takes about 3 minutes. Then add the whole milk and vanilla, mixing gently before folding in your dry ingredients. The batter is light, which is what will give the cake its tender crumb.

Step 2: Whip Egg Whites and Fold

Cleaning the mixer bowl is key here. Whip the egg whites until foamy, then slowly add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and continue until stiff peaks form. This creates the airy structure that balances the density of the soaked cake. Carefully fold a third of these whites into the yolk mixture to loosen it, then gently fold in the rest until blended but still airy. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and bake it for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool slightly but keep it in the pan.

Step 3: Make and Pour the Tres Leches Syrup

Mix the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk in a jug for easy pouring. Using a toothpick, poke holes all over the cake, going almost through but not quite. Slowly drizzle the milk mixture all over, especially near the edges, to ensure it fully soaks into the cake. Pouring in stages helps the cake absorb every creamy drop. Refrigerate for at least an hour, ideally overnight, to develop that signature moist, silky texture.

Step 4: Whip the Cream and Finish

Right before serving, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this luscious topping is the perfect contrast to the beautifully soaked cake. Spread it evenly over the entire surface and sprinkle ground cinnamon for an inviting aroma and a hint of warmth. Now your Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe is ready to wow your friends and family!

How to Serve Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe

A square piece of yellow sponge cake with two layers is shown on a white plate. The bottom layer is a soft, light yellow cake, and the top layer is white whipped cream sprinkled with light brown powder. On top of the cream, there is a red strawberry cut in half with green leaves visible. A silver fork with a detailed handle lies next to the cake on the plate. In the background on the right, a white rectangular plate contains more pieces of the same cake. On the left side, there is a white cup filled with black coffee. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a white fabric that has green and orange floral embroidery. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic look with cinnamon dusting is stunning, garnishes like fresh berries or thinly sliced toasted coconut add both color and a complimentary flavor boost. A few mint leaves add a lovely brightness. These simple touches make each slice feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This cake works wonderfully as the star dessert, so keep sides simple. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad balances the creaminess of the cake. For an adult gathering, a cup of strong coffee or a spiced tea pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe in individual glass jars for a charming presentation that also locks in moisture. Layer cake cubes with the milk syrup and whipped topping for a fun trifle version. Cups or martini glasses make a great option for grab-and-go parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake actually tastes better the next day once all the flavors have mingled. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out. Stored this way, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal since the whipped cream topping can lose its texture. If you do freeze it, remove the topping and freeze just the soaked cake, wrapped tightly in plastic and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whip fresh cream when ready to serve.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a slightly warmer bite, allow the cake to come to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before eating, but keep it mostly cool to enjoy that refreshing, creamy sensation.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture may slightly change but the flavor will still be incredible.

What’s the best way to poke holes for the milk syrup?

Using a wooden toothpick or a fork works best. Make sure to space the holes evenly and go deep enough for the syrup to seep through the layers, but avoid poking all the way through to keep the cake intact.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer will work fine. Just take your time whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and the yolks until pale and fluffy; it might take a few extra minutes but the results will be just as delicious.

How long should the cake soak in the milk syrup?

The longer, the better! A minimum of one hour is necessary for good absorption, but refrigerating overnight creates that wonderfully rich, moist texture that makes this cake a standout.

Can I prepare the cake parts separately ahead of time?

You can bake the cake and keep it covered in the fridge for a day or two before adding the milk syrup and whipped topping. Once soaked, it’s best to serve within a couple of days for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe that makes it a beloved dessert for all occasions. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough to celebrate a milestone. I can’t wait for you to taste that rich, milky sweetness and soft sponge that perfectly soaks up every drop. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly find it’s a keeper for your dessert repertoire!

Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need