Silky Tres Leches Cake

Ingredients

• 1 stick butter (melted and cooled)
• 1.25 cup all purpose flour
• 1.25 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 tsp salt (referred to as OCEAN in source)
• 5 eggs (large)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for the cake)
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 12 oz evaporated milk (1 can)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for the milk soak)
• 1.5 cup heavy whipping cream
• 0.25 cup fine sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (extract works fine too)
• cinnamon (a dash to cover the cake)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) and grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, add the 5 large eggs and 1 cup of sugar.

3. 3

   Using a hand beater or whisk, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high speed until they are pale yellow and thickened, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

4. 4

   Turn the beater to low speed and slowly drizzle in the 1 stick of melted and cooled butter.

5. 5

   Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture while continuing to mix on low.

6. 6

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

7. 7

   Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. 8

   While the cake is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a medium bowl.

9. 9

   Once the cake is removed from the oven, let it cool slightly. Use a toothpick or chopstick to poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake.

10. 10

    Slowly pour the three-milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes and edges.

11. 11

    Cover the cake and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to allow the sponge to fully absorb the liquid.

12. 12

    Before serving, whip the 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/4 cup fine sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste until stiff peaks form.

13. 13

    Spread the whipped cream over the top of the chilled cake and finish with a dash of cinnamon.

Notes

The soaking time is critical for the texture; 12-24 hours is recommended. You can use a chopstick instead of a toothpick to poke larger holes if preferred.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• cake
• baked
• latin american
• sweet
• celebration