Name: Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490402H56M20S
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute 1:1 gluten free flour); 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 5 large eggs, separated; 1 cup sugar (divided: 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup whole milk; 12 oz evaporated milk; 9 oz sweetened condensed milk; 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream; 2 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1 cup berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 63 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that are rich, moist, and utterly irresistible, then you are about to fall head over heels for this Tres Leches Cake Recipe. This classic Latin American dessert gets its name from the three kinds of milk that soak the sponge cake, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both light and decadently creamy. Every slice is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square white dish holds a single-layer yellow sponge cake with a thick, smooth layer of white frosting on top. The frosting has a soft, creamy texture and covers the entire top surface. On top of the frosting, fresh red raspberries and halved strawberries with green leaves are arranged around the edges, adding bright color contrast. The cake has one big slice removed, showing the light, airy texture of the yellow cake underneath the white frosting. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tres Leches Cake Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that signature flavor and texture. From the fluffy cake base to the decadent milk soak and the airy whipped topping, every element is thoughtfully chosen to delight your palate.

1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute 1:1 GF flour): This forms the light and tender base for the cake.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly for a fluffy texture.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
5 large eggs: Separate yolks and whites to create the ideal airy structure.
1 cup sugar (divided 3/4 and 1/4 cups): Sweetens the cake and helps stabilize egg whites.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor.
1/3 cup whole milk: Moistens the batter for tenderness.
12 oz evaporated milk: One of the star milks for soaking that rich sponge.
9 oz sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creamy density to the soak.
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream: Part of the soaking liquid for extra richness.
2 cups heavy whipping cream: Used for the luscious whipped cream topping.
2 Tbsp granulated sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream to perfection.
1 cup berries (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, colorful touch to your final presentation.

How to Make Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and buttering a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Setting up three mixing bowls ahead of time will streamline the process — one for the dry ingredients, one for the egg yolks, and one for the egg whites. This organization will help you move efficiently through the steps with ease and confidence.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Sifting not only ensures an even distribution of baking powder but also makes the cake lighter by removing any lumps in the flour. This creates the perfect foundation for your Tres Leches Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Beat Egg Yolks and Combine

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture becomes pale yellow and slightly thickened, about two minutes on high speed. This step is crucial for building the rich, golden color and subtle sweetness of the cake. Then stir in the milk and vanilla extract to add moisture and fragrant warmth.

Step 4: Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

Beat the egg whites until they reach soft peaks, then gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. This aerated egg white mixture is what makes the cake incredibly fluffy and light, giving that classic cloud-like texture.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures and Bake

Pour the egg yolk mixture over the dry ingredients and gently fold to combine with a spatula. Then carefully fold in the egg whites until just blended — overmixing can deflate the batter, so be gentle here! Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Three-Milk Soak

While the cake cools, mix the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream in a large measuring cup or bowl with a pouring lip. Once the cake has cooled, pierce the surface all over with a fork, allowing the milk mixture to soak deeply and infuse every bite with creamy goodness. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or pop it into the fridge overnight to soak thoroughly.

Step 7: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

Beat the cold heavy whipping cream with granulated sugar until thick and spreadable, about 1.5 to 2 minutes. This whipped cream topping is the perfect crowning touch — light, airy, and slightly sweet, it balances the rich milk soak beautifully. Spread it evenly over the cake and finish by decorating with fresh berries if you like.

How to Serve Tres Leches Cake Recipe

The image shows a square piece of light yellow sponge cake with a thick, smooth white cream layer on top. The cake is held by a black spatula above a white dish that holds the rest of the cake. On the cream layer, there are three red fruits: a whole raspberry and two halves of strawberries with green leaves still attached. Around the white dish, there are additional strawberries and raspberries scattered on a white marbled surface. The texture of the cream looks soft and fluffy, while the sponge cake looks moist and airy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweet creaminess. Light dustings of cinnamon or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can also add interesting flavor layers and texture.

Side Dishes

Serving Tres Leches Cake Recipe alongside lightly brewed coffee or a tangy citrus sorbet elevates the dessert experience without overpowering the delicate sweetness. Fresh fruit salad makes a wonderful companion to balance richness with vibrancy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, consider serving individual portions in elegant glasses, layering cake cubes with milk soak and whipped cream for a beautiful trifle effect. Or highlight the colorful berries by arranging them artistically on top, making each slice picture-perfect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The moist nature of Tres Leches Cake Recipe means it stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, so you can indulge in it over multiple sittings.

Freezing

While this cake tastes best fresh, you can freeze portions by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, then add fresh whipped cream and berries for best results.

Reheating

Since this cake is served chilled, reheating is not typically recommended. Instead, simply allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes to enjoy the full flavors and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Tres Leches Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing the cake’s tender crumb and fluffy texture.

Is it necessary to separate the eggs for this recipe?

Yes, separating eggs and whipping the yolks and whites separately helps create the light, airy texture that defines this cake. The whipped egg whites act as a natural leavening agent, making the cake beautifully fluffy.

How long can I refrigerate the cake after soaking it with the milk mixture?

You can refrigerate the soaked cake for up to 24 hours before adding the whipped cream topping. In fact, soaking overnight allows the flavors to develop more deeply, resulting in an even more moist and flavorful dessert.

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk instead of the traditional milks?

For best results, stick to whole evaporated and sweetened condensed milks as they contribute to the creamy, rich texture. However, there are non-dairy alternatives available, but they may slightly change the flavor and consistency.

What is the best way to serve this cake to guests?

Slice the cake into generous squares, topping each with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. Serving chilled with coffee or tea creates a warm, inviting dessert moment everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

This Tres Leches Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that never fails to bring smiles at the table. Its perfect balance of airy cake and rich milk soak, topped with fluffy whipped cream, is comfort in every bite. Give it a try, share with friends and family, and watch it become one of your go-to favorites for celebrations or whenever you crave a delicious treat.