Print

Moist Tres Leches Cake Recipe Perfect for Beginners – Easy Whipped Cream Topping

moist Tres Leches Cake - featured image
Print Recipe

This moist Tres Leches Cake is a tender, airy sponge soaked in a creamy three-milk mixture and topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple enough for beginners and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: Fresh strawberries or berries
  • Optional: Ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings
  • Optional: Toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Separate eggs. Beat egg whites in a clean bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes). Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form (1-2 minutes).
  4. In another bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining 1/2 cup sugar until thick and pale yellow (2-3 minutes).
  5. Add 1/3 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to yolk mixture and mix until smooth.
  6. Gently fold half the flour mixture into the yolk batter, then the rest, until just combined. Fold in whipped egg whites in thirds until no streaks remain.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and top is golden.
  8. Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes. While warm, poke holes all over with a skewer or fork.
  9. Whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup milk. Slowly pour over cake in stages, letting it absorb. Cool to room temp, then cover and chill at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
  10. Before serving, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  11. Spread whipped cream over chilled cake. Garnish with berries, cinnamon, or coconut if desired.
  12. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature eggs and don’t rush the soaking step. If the cake seems too soggy, it will firm up as it chills. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free options include coconut cream and plant-based milks. Chill overnight for clean slices and deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tres Leches Cake, moist cake, easy dessert, whipped cream topping, Latin American dessert, party cake, beginner baking, milk cake, sponge cake, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/moist-tres-leches-cake-recipe-perfect-for-beginners-easy-whipped-cream-topping/