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soft vanilla cake topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce on a plate

Authentic Mexican Tres Leches Cake

Emma F., smiling female cake chef wearing a pastel pink apron in a cozy kitchenEmma F.
This authentic Tres Leches Cake is a traditional Mexican dessert soaked in a creamy milk mixture. Perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch round cake pan greased and floured
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Milk Soak

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
  • Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a smooth batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • While the cake is baking, mix together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
  • Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a skewer to poke holes all over the top. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully.
  • Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the cake cold, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries if desired. Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of this traditional dessert.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Ingredient Substitutions: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soak. How to Serve: Best served chilled with a side of fresh fruit. Storage & Freshness: Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the cake a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Keyword easy tres leches cake, traditional tres leches cake, tres leches cake