In El Salvador, almost every time we went to a local pizza place that we love, we had tres leches. It was such a treat when we ordered it. The fluffiness of this cake combined with the milks is what make this cake such a staple in our cooking.
What is Tres Leches
This mouth watering cake is a one layer wet and fluffy cake that has three different milks. It’s topped with heavy whipped cream, sprinkles of cinnamon, and candied cherries.
Simple ingredients
For the cake
- Flour : White wheat flour is the one most commonly used. Sometimes, I like to use rice flour, the ratios are the same, but the consistency is more grainy which I personally like.
- Sugar: For best results white granulated sugar is recommended for this dessert.
- Eggs: Large white eggs is what I am using in the recipe.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is one of the stars in this dessert. It adds the warm taste to it. I like the ground cinnamon so that you can see the color of it, but the sticks are essential to create that cinnamon flavor in the cake.
- Baking powder: It adds to the fluffiness of the cake.
The milks
- sweetened condensed milk : This will provide the cake the deep sweet flavor of milk.
- Cow full fat milk : You can use skim or 2% fat, this type of milk give it the liquid it needs to soak the cake. Some people use heavy cream here, however, I like the more runny consistency in the cake.
- Evaporated milk : Like the cows milk, the difference this one add is the softness of evaporated milk.
For the topping
- Whipped cream: For this one, I do recommend to make it yourself to ensure the think consistency that should have in order to spread it properly over the cake.
- Candied cherries (optional) : I personally don’t like candied cherries, but I know some do and it creates such a pretty cake when used.
How to make Tres Leches (step by step)
Step 1: Line a baking dish 9.5 x 15 or similar and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl start by separating the egg yolks from the whites.
Step 3: Beat egg whites using an electric hand mix for about four minutes adding sugar little by little. Continue to mix adding one yolk at a time. This time for about two minutes.
Step 4: Add in the dry ingredients, flour, cinnamon, and baking powder. Use a regular whisk here to just incorporate everything.
Step 5: Break cinnamon stick in smaller pieces and add them to the batter. Place on the prepared baking pan and bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. Let the cake rest to cool while you prepare the milk mixture and the toppings.
Step 6: In a bowl mix all the three milks and give it a good stir until well combined.
Step 7: In a separate bowl, using an electric mix, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla –until it gets a thick consistency, about 4 minutes.
Step 8: Back to the cake, using a wooden stick, poke holes in the cake to make sure the milk is absorbed homogenously. Pour the milk mixture over it little by little.
Step 9: Place whipped cream on top of the cake and spread it through out the whole cake. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon, and enjoy!
Cooking tools
I am using a conventional oven to bake the cake. I am using an electric hand mixer.
Variations
- Coconut tres leches
- Pumkin spice tres leches
- Coffee lovers tres leches
How to serve
I personally enjoy tres leches as dessert right after is prepared so milk still soaked in the sponge and not at the bottom of the pan. This dessert can also be a great substitute for birthdate cake.
How to store
Store in fridge after is done with a lid on the pan, or plastic wrap to conserve freshness. Use within three days.
I would love to hear if you try it! Tag me on Instagram @salvadorankitchen, also if you have questions, you can always reach out!
Happy baking!
