Classic Tres Leches Cake
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: ~3 hours | Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Milk Mixture:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, pierce the top of the cake all over with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cooled cake. Let it soak for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped topping over the soaked cake. Sprinkle cinnamon on top if desired.
- Refrigerate and serve chilled.
Pro Tips
- Make the cake a day in advance to allow maximum soaking and flavor.
- Use a chilled bowl and beaters to whip cream faster and more effectively.
- Top with fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon for a beautiful finish.