Traditional Tres leches Cake or Three Milk Cake

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a traditional Tres Leches Cake, a beloved Hispanic dessert known for its moist texture and rich flavor. While it requires some patience, the end result is a deliciously creamy cake that is perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready:

• For the Cake:

  • 1 cup cake flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 5 whole eggs, separated
  • 1 cup sugar (divided into 0.75 cup and 0.25 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.33 cup milk

• For the Milk Mixture:

  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream

• For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with 0.75 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Vanilla and Milk: Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yolk mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Whip Egg Whites: In another bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 0.25 cup of sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
7. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Pour Batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
3. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Milk Mixture

1. Combine Milks: In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
2. Soak the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. Whip Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with sugar until soft peaks form.
2. Top the Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the milk mixture.
2. Serve: Slice and enjoy your Tres Leches Cake! It can be garnished with fruit or chocolate shavings if desired.

Conclusion

You have now made a traditional Tres Leches Cake from scratch! This dessert is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. For your next steps, consider experimenting with different toppings or variations of the cake to make it your own!