Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Homemade Version

If you're looking for an indulgent dessert that's sure to impress, look no further than this easy tres leches cake recipe. This classic Latin American desse……

If you're looking for an indulgent dessert that's sure to impress, look no further than this easy tres leches cake recipe. This classic Latin American dessert, also known as "three milks cake," is soaked in a mixture of three different kinds of milk, resulting in a rich, moist, and incredibly flavorful cake. In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of the process, ensuring your homemade tres leches cake is a showstopper.

### Ingredients for Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Before we dive into the detailed instructions, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need for this easy tres leches cake recipe:

#### For the Cake:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 5 large eggs, separated

- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided

- 1/3 cup whole milk

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

#### For the Milk Mixture:

- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

- 1/4 cup heavy cream

#### For the Topping:

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and doubled in volume. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

4. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.

5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.

6. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

#### Step 2: Baking the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Step 3: Soaking the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, place it back into the baking dish. Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.

2. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.

3. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture fully.

#### Step 4: Preparing the Topping

1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

2. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the soaked cake.

#### Step 5: Serving the Cake

1. Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled. If desired, garnish each piece with fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or mango slices.

### Tips for the Perfect Tres Leches Cake

- **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps the batter mix more evenly.

- **Gentle Folding**: When folding in the egg whites, do so gently to maintain the airiness of the batter.

- **Refrigeration Time**: Don't rush the soaking process. Allowing the cake to sit overnight in the refrigerator ensures it absorbs all the milk mixture, resulting in the perfect texture.

This easy tres leches cake recipe is a delightful treat that's sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its moist, flavorful layers and creamy topping. Enjoy!