Tres Leches Cake
Try this Tres Leches Cake recipe.
Try this Tres Leches Cake recipe.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- garnishes
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- tres leches cake
- 3 egg whites + 1 egg room temperature
- 2/3 sour cream room temperature
- 1 tablespoon mexican vanilla
- 1 box butter golden cake mix (i prefer duncan hines but use whatever you can find and it should be similar)
- tres leches soak (three milks)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- cinnamon spiced whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon knox gelatine (1 packet 1.8g)
- 3 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- strawberry slices
- Carbohydrate 221.054941512781 g
- Cholesterol 722.018826242487 mg
- Fat 485.338320352125 g
- Fiber 2.21934503803383 g
- Protein 53.2024626512066 g
- Saturated Fat 158.0467368778 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1609g)
- Sodium 1137.17680042704 mg
- Sugar 218.835596474747 g
- Trans Fat 26.7529790182024 g
- Calories 5396 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Prep 3 6" cake rounds with a swipe of shortening and dust of flour to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg white, oil, sour cream, vanilla, and buttermilk.
- Sift in the cinnamon, flour, and cake mix. Stir until just combined, don't overmix.
- Split batter between three prepared cake rounds, bake for 25-27 minutes, or until center has baked completely.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in pans for 2 minutes. Flip cakes out onto a wire rack to cool almost completely.
- Prepare the Tres Leches soak by stirring the three milks together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Place plastic wrap in your three 6" cake PANS and place the baked cakes inside (carefully). Poke holes all over the top for a place for the milk to soak in.
- Pour the three milks (tres leches) over all three cake rounds. Wrap in plastic wrap over the sides, and let sit in the fridge overnight.
- Place metal mixer bowl and metal mixer whisk in the freezer. You want them chilled!
- Place gelatin in a microwave safe bowl with water and let sit for 5 minutes. Microwave for 10 seconds, then let cool slightly.
- Whip up whipped cream in chilled mixer bowl on low speed for 1 minute, then gradually increase the speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Add in soft cream cheese, gelatin, and vanilla and whip up again until stiff peaks form.
- Add in powdered sugar and whip up again until it's thickened and ready!
- If stacking tres leches cake layers, you will need to freeze the layers for at least 3 hours before assembly. This helps the cake layers from falling.
- Pipe a small layer of whipped cream on a cardboard cake round, then place down the first cake layer.
- Pipe on a layer of whipped cream, then repeat with remaining layers. Add a dowel to the center for better stabilization.
- Add on a crumb coat for the "naked cake" look. Serve with sliced strawberries and more whipped cream on the side.
A Sweet Escape: My Tres Leches Cake Journey
As a busy working mom, finding time for baking is a luxury, but when I do, I always try to make it count. This weekend, it was all about tackling the infamous Tres Leches Cake. I’d seen countless pictures, drooled over the creamy layers, and finally decided to give it a whirl. The idea of a cake soaked in three kinds of milk sounded almost too good to be true, and the anticipation was building like crazy! Let me tell you, it lived up to the hype and then some!
The recipe itself was surprisingly straightforward, although there were a few moments where my inner perfectionist came out. I meticulously measured each ingredient, ensuring precision in every step. I found the process immensely therapeutic, a calming escape from the daily grind. The rhythmic whisking and gentle folding of the batter felt almost meditative. The aroma of the baking cake, a blend of sweet vanilla and warm cinnamon, filled my kitchen, creating a comforting and inviting atmosphere. It was a perfect little moment of self-care amid the chaos of everyday life.
The most challenging part, I discovered, was the waiting game. The cake had to chill overnight, allowing the milk mixture to permeate the layers and create that irresistible moistness. It was a test of patience, but the reward was well worth it. The next morning, I woke up with a sense of excitement, eager to see the final product. The cake had transformed overnight; it was unbelievably soft, almost ethereal in texture. Each bite was a delightful experience: a delicate balance of sweetness, milky richness, and a hint of cinnamon spice. The whipped cream topping added a perfect touch of lightness and fluffiness.
Ingredients and Reflections: I used a Duncan Hines golden cake mix as the base, as suggested in the recipe. You can certainly make the cake from scratch, but for a quick weeknight treat, the mix is a reliable shortcut. The three milks—evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream—were a revelation. The combination is unbelievably decadent, creating a deeply satisfying level of moisture that is simply unmatched in other cakes. The whipped cream topping, however, was the star of the show. Lightweight and yet so rich, it perfectly complemented the soft cake layers. Honestly, the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of combining them are a testament to the greatness of this dessert. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life bring the most profound satisfaction.
More than just a Cake: Baking this Tres Leches Cake wasn't just about creating a delicious dessert; it was about creating a moment of peace and joy in a busy schedule. It was about the satisfaction of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It was a project that brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. It's a cake I'll certainly be making again, and again, and again! If you are looking for a dessert that's both impressive and easy to make, this is it. Trust me, it's worth every moment spent. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of life, a little bit of sweetness can go a long way.
Tips for Success:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for optimal mixing and baking.
- Don't overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Poke holes generously in the cake layers to ensure even soaking.
- Chill the cake overnight for the best results.
- Get creative with toppings! Fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of powdered sugar are all delicious options.
This wasn’t just a baking project; it was an experience. It was a reminder to slow down, savor the small moments, and to find joy in the simple act of creating something delicious. And honestly, that’s a pretty sweet reward in itself. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and let's embark on a Tres Leches Cake adventure together! You won't regret it!
