There’s nothing better than a cold and refreshing treat in the summertime! This easy Tres Leches Cake recipe is just that – a cool, sweet treat made from a tasty sponge cake, a creamy mixture of three different milks, and homemade whipped topping.
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Easy Tres Leches Cake
Everyone loves cake, and one of our favorite variations is Tres Leches Cake (it’s right up there with Sheet Cake and Cream Puff Cake)!
If you’ve never had Tres Leches Cake before you are in for a sweet treat! It’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends this summer at all your barbecues and pool parties. I think the first time I had Tres Leches was at my sister’s wedding. I was skeptical when she told me her cake of choice but after my first bite, I totally understood. Oh my, this cake is divine!
Why is it called Tres Leches Cake?
In case you didn’t already know, Tres Leches is Spanish for “three milks”. No one is really sure where the recipe for Tres Leches came from, but it is popular in Latin American countries (hence the Spanish name).
If you’ve ever made a poke cake before, this is super similar! The base of the recipe is a really yummy sponge cake, which you poke holes in with a fork, and cover with a creamy glaze made from 3 different types of milk; condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Sounds amazing, right? And trust me, it’s as simple to make as it is tasty!
How to Make Tres Leches Cake:
This tres leches cake is easier to make than you think.
Start by making the cake batter. Pour batter into a 9×13 pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350°.
Once the cake has cooled, poke several holes in it with a fork. Next, mix the three milks together and pour it over the cake a little at a time, letting it soak in before adding more. Then just cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To finish, make the homemade whipped topping and spreading over the milk soaked cake.
You can either serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. I like to top mine with fresh berries mixed with a little bit of sugar. SO yummy!
What other toppings can be used? Strawberries are a classic topping for this cake. Some other delicious fruits to try are: blueberries, sliced kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, sliced bananas, maraschino cherries. You can even sprinkle a little cinnamon or grate dark chocolate on top.
How do I make tres leches cupcakes?
Follow the recipe as written except pour the batter into a cupcake pan. Be sure to either use foil liners (be cautious using paper liners as the milk may soak through them) or pour the batter directly into a well greased cupcake pan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes watching carefully. Let cool and follow the recipe to finish them off
How long does Tres Leches Cake last?
Tres Leches Cake is best when eaten within 48 hours of being made. Having said that, if covered with Saran Wrap and placed in the fridge, it can last in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The fruit topping may not last quite as long simply scoop the fruit off top and replace it with fresh fruit.
Can you freeze Tres Leches Cake?
You can definitely freeze tres leches cake. We recommend making it and then freezing it without frosting it. Be sure to cover tightly and place in the freezer for 2-3 months. Let thaw in fridge overnight and then top with whipped cream.
I love this cake in the summer time because it is cold and pairs perfectly with fresh summer berries. Believe me when I say everyone will be coming back for seconds!
for more cool treats, check out:
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
- Strawberries and Cream Angel Food Cake
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Lemon Bundt Cake
- Oreo Ice Cream Cake
- Jello Poke Cake
- Tres Leches Cupcakes
Tres Leches Cake Recipe
This easy Tres Leches Cake recipe is a cool, sweet treat made from a tasty sponge cake, a creamy mixture of three different milks, and homemade whipped topping. Serve Tres Leches Cake with fresh fruit for an extra refreshing dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1/2 c salted butter room temperature
- 1 c sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 5 eggs room temperature
- 1 1/2 c flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Milk Glaze
- 1/2 c heavy whipping cream
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
For the Whipped Topping
- 2 c heavy whipping cream
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Garnish
- fresh strawberries sliced
- granulated sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
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In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside
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In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until creamy and then gradually add in the sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and then one egg at a time, mixing each one completely in before adding the next.
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Add the flour mixture to the eggs about ½ cup at a time, mixing each addition until almost combined (scrape down sides of bowl as needed).
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Pour batter into pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-22 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
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Let cake cool completely and then poke all over with a fork.
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Mix all Milk Glaze ingredients together discard ½ cup and then gently pour over the cake in 3 batches, waiting in between for the milk to soak in. You can tilt the pan back and forth it if pools at the edges.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
For the Whipped Topping
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Whip the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla together until stiff peaks. Spread over the cake. Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Sprinkle strawberries lightly with sugar and mix. Let sit for 10 minutes
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Slice cake and top with strawberries.
Recipe Video
For more great recipes by Melanie, head on over to Garnish and Glaze! ENJOY!
We love Tres Leches Cake! It’s a holiday tradition with my husband’s family.
This cake is by far one of my favs! so moist and full of flavor!
This cake was so soft & spongy! The cream on top was so good!! I love that you can add whatever fruit you want on top. I am a chocolate person, but my hubby prefers fruity dessert, so this was right up his alley & I have to say, I loved it!
this cake is so moist and easy to make! favorite cake recipe by far!
lunaaaaaaaa! I made this cake in addition to my “regular” thanksgiving desserts & I must say…no one ate the “regular” stuff & I wasn’t upset. I have always wanted to make this but I thought it too hard. it wasn’t! what was hard was the waiting! I followed it almost exactly except I didn’t have a whole can of evaporated milk ( hubby & friend used a bit for their coffee) so I used coconut milk. it was awesome! since strawberries are out of season I didn’t have any but you don’t miss it. the one thing I will do is make a little extra topping…you make me want to smack you it’s so good so I smacked my 2 sons lol. I love the topping, I could eat it by itself! anyway, thank you so much an easy cake & I look forward to making more of your recipies!
HAHA!!! That is too funny! I am so glad you liked it!! Thank you so much!