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lemon tres leches cake recipe

Lemon Tres Leches Cake

Avatar photoGrace Ovendale
A refreshing take on the classic tres leches cake, infused with lemon for a burst of citrus flavor perfect for summer.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
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

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Tres Leches Mixture

  • 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Decoration

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh lemon slices

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • While the cake is baking, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, heavy cream, and lemon juice in a bowl.
  • Allow the baked cake to cool slightly. Poke holes all over the cake with a fork and pour the milk mixture evenly over the top.
  • Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the milk mixture to fully soak in.
  • Before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices. Serve chilled.

Serving and Storage

  • Slice the cake and serve cold. It's perfect for a light, refreshing dessert.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure the cake soaks overnight for best results. Ingredient Substitutions: Use coconut milk for a tropical twist. How to Serve: Serve chilled with fresh lemon slices. Storage & Freshness: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the cake a day in advance to enhance flavors.
Keyword citrus tres leches, lemon tres leches cake, summer cake ideas