Best 10 Tres Leches Cake Easy Recipes

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Tres leches cake, a beloved dessert with a rich history, is a moist and fluffy sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This delightful cake, also known as pastel de tres leches, originated in Mexico and has become a popular treat across Latin America and beyond. Its name, meaning "three milks" in Spanish, perfectly captures the essence of this delectable cake that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

This article presents a collection of tres leches cake recipes that cater to different skill levels and preferences. From classic to modern variations, these recipes offer a variety of options for home bakers to create this iconic dessert. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to impress your friends and family or a novice cook seeking a straightforward recipe, you'll find the perfect tres leches cake recipe here. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to experience the magic of tres leches cake.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

SHORTCUT TRES LECHES CAKE



Shortcut Tres Leches Cake image

My mom's favorite cake is tres leches, a butter cake soaked in three kinds of milk. I developed a no-fuss version that's rich and tender. -Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package butter recipe golden cake or yellow cake mix (regular size)
3 large eggs, room temperature
2/3 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING:
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
WHIPPED CREAM:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13x9-in. baking pan., In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, milk, softened butter and vanilla; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 20 minutes. , In a 4-cup measuring cup, whisk topping ingredients until blended. Using a skewer, generously poke holes in top of warm cake. Pour milk mixture slowly over cake, filling holes. Cool 30 minutes longer. Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours or overnight., In a bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. Spread over cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 calories, Fat 20g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 257mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 6g protein.

TRES LECHES CAKE (EASY)



Tres Leches Cake (Easy) image

My honduran fiance loves when I make this easy version of Spanish 3 milk cake-Tres Leche Cake. It's a favorite among family & friends. Popular in Mexican & Honduran cultures. I got this recipe from a Mexican lady after my boyfriend bought one for me years ago & I loved it. I have found this recipe works well with store brands, too. The only problem I've ever had with it - it goes so fast!

Provided by OlanchoBoundGringa

Categories     Breakfast

Time 1h4m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

18 ounces white cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
1 cup whole milk
12 ounces evaporated milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
8 ounces whipped dessert topping mix
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup whole milk
9 cherries

Steps:

  • Bake cake as directed on box.
  • While cake is cooking, mix together 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 can evaporated milk, & 1 cup whole milk with a whisk. Set aside.
  • When cake is finished cooking, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake. Whisk your milk mixture once again, and pour slowly over the entire cake. Put the cake in the fridge for 4 hours to set flavors.
  • After 4 hours, make your whipped topping by mixing together the vanilla, milk & whipped topping mix. Use mixer for 4 minutes. When topping is ready, spread over cake.
  • To top it off, drain & rinse 9-12 cherries. Dry each cherry off, so the juice doesn't run in the topping. Put dry cherries on top of cake in rows of 3 or 4.
  • This makes a beautiful cake. Must be kept refridgerated. You can use various flavors of cake mix. Many people love to put sweetened coconut in the whipped topping. You can also make a lower fat version by choosing low sugar cake mix, fat free sweetened condensed milk, fat free evaporated milk, & skim milk.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1074.8, Fat 52, SaturatedFat 25.6, Cholesterol 153.6, Sodium 829.3, Carbohydrate 134.2, Fiber 1, Sugar 107.5, Protein 20.7

EASY TRES LECHES CAKE



Easy Tres Leches Cake image

I wanted to make a simple, quick Tres Leches cake for my family. Too many recipes I'd found called for fruit, or meringue, or coconut -- which detracts from the rich milk flavor.

Provided by Debtex

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 1 cake, 15-18 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (18 1/4 ounce) box white cake mix
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup heavy cream
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
whipped cream

Steps:

  • Preheat over to 350º.
  • Grease or "pam" 9x12 baking pan.
  • Beat eggs in a large bowl.
  • Add water and cake mix and beat 3 minutes.
  • Pour batter into pan.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until cake has lost its jiggly center and springs back when touched.
  • Let cool to room temperature.
  • Mix the 3 milks.
  • Poke cake full of holes. A chopstick works great for this. Don't skimp on the holes; that's what allows the cake to absorb the milks.
  • Pour the milk mixture over the cake slowly, until it's absorbed the liquid.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Serve as desired. If you're serving company, you might cover the cake with whipped cream and fruit; you might just drizzle heavy cream over each serving; you might puree a carton of frozen strawberries and use that as a base to serve slices on.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.2, Fat 14.9, SaturatedFat 7.1, Cholesterol 86.9, Sodium 314, Carbohydrate 44.3, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 33.4, Protein 7.2

TRES LECHES CAKE



Tres Leches Cake image

A classic and easy Tres Leches Cake goes far beyond your average cake recipe. Moist, flavorful and deeply rich, our Tres Leches Cake with Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix makes it simple to impress. Sweetened condensed milk, whole milk and whipping cream are the traditional "three milks" in our Tres Leches Cake ingredients. Mix and pour into "poke" holes in the cake to create the iconic flavor. Tap into your inner Betty with a cake that goes from mix to masterpiece.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h55m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
1 1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 cup whole milk or evaporated milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 container Betty Crocker™ Whipped Fluffy White Frosting

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
  • Bake as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan. Let stand 5 minutes. Poke top of hot cake every 1/2 inch with long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking.
  • In large bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, whole milk and whipping cream. Carefully pour evenly over top of cake. Cover; refrigerate about 1 hour or until mixture is absorbed into cake. Frost with frosting. Store covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 0 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 290 mg, Sugar 41 g, TransFat 0 g

CLASSIC TRES LECHES CAKE



Classic Tres Leches Cake image

Tres leches means "three milks." This cake gets its name because it uses three kinds of milk-evaporated, condensed and cream. This cake's light and airy texture has made it a classic in Mexican kitchens for generations. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 large eggs, separated, room temperature
2/3 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup cake flour
Dash salt
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup evaporated milk
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon rum extract
TOPPING:
1-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons sugar
Optional: Dulce de leche or sliced fresh strawberries

Steps:

  • Place egg whites in a large bowl. Line bottom of a 9-in. springform pan with parchment; grease the paper., Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In another large bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar, beating on high speed until thick and lemon-colored. Fold in flour, a third at a time., Add salt to egg whites; with clean beaters, beat on medium until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until soft glossy peaks form. Fold a third of the whites into batter, then fold in remaining whites. Gently spread into prepared pan., Bake until top springs back when lightly touched, 20-25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely., Place cake on a rimmed serving plate. Poke holes in top with a skewer. In a small bowl, mix cream, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and extracts; brush slowly over cake. Refrigerate, covered, 2 hours. , For topping, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar; beat until peaks form. Spread over top of cake. If desired, top cake with dulce de leche or strawberries just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 392 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 142mg cholesterol, Sodium 104mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (33g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 8g protein.

EASY TRES LECHES SHEET CAKE



Easy Tres Leches Sheet Cake image

Same great flavor, without all of the work! This is a great dessert to serve after barbeque or other spicy foods, and is a popular treat here in Texas. It is far more portable than a traditional tres leches cake so bring it along to your next barbeque or fiesta. If you have never had tres leches cake, expect the cake to be very "wet," the three milk combination helps remove the burn from chiles from your mouth.

Provided by MommyMakes

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (18 ounce) box yellow cake mix (Supermoist) or 1 (18 ounce) box white cake mix (Supermoist)
1 1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 (9 ounce) container whipped fluffy white frosting

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease and four a 13x9 inch baking pan.
  • In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, vanilla, and eggs. Beat on low for 30 seconds then on medium for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into prepared pan.
  • Bake 33 to 38 minutes or until edges are golden brown and tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let stand 5 minutes then poke the hot cake every 1/2 inch with a long-tined fork. Wipe the fork occasionally to reduce sticking and tearing.
  • In a large bowl combine milks and cream. Carefully pour the mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Cover and refrigerate about 1 hour or until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Frost cake as desired. Garnish with strawberry slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396.6, Fat 17.6, SaturatedFat 7, Cholesterol 82.6, Sodium 321.4, Carbohydrate 54, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 40.9, Protein 6.1

TRES LECHES (MILK CAKE)



Tres Leches (Milk Cake) image

This cake is made with three layers: Cake, filling, and topping. There are 4 types of milk in the filling and topping (whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream). This is an excellent cake for milk lovers!

Provided by Stephanie Watts

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup white sugar
5 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups whole milk
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9x13 inch baking pan.
  • Sift flour and baking powder together and set aside.
  • Cream butter or margarine and the 1 cup sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat well.
  • Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 2 tablespoons at a time; mix until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Pierce cake several times with a fork.
  • Combine the whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk together. Pour over the top of the cooled cake.
  • Whip whipping cream, the remaining 1 cup of the sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla together until thick. Spread over the top of cake. Be sure and keep cake refrigerated, enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279.7 calories, Carbohydrate 34.6 g, Cholesterol 81.5 mg, Fat 13.7 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 86.8 mg, Sugar 28.2 g

TRES LECHES CAKE



Tres Leches Cake image

This is a part dry, part moist Mexican cake made with three types of milk. It is a sweet and delicious treat!

Provided by Monica

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 2h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup white sugar
5 egg yolks
5 egg whites
⅓ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 pint heavy whipping cream
10 maraschino cherries

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until light in color and doubled in volume. Stir in milk, vanilla, flour and baking powder.
  • In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Beat until firm but not dry. Fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it; fold in remaining egg whites. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool 10 minutes.
  • Loosen edge of cake with knife before removing side of pan. Cool cake completely on a wire rack.
  • Place cooled cake on a deep serving plate. Use a two-pronged meat fork or a cake tester to pierce the surface of cake.
  • Mix together condensed milk, evaporated milk and 1/4 cup of the whipping cream. Set aside 1 cup of the measured milk mixture and refrigerate for another use. Pour remaining milk mixture over cake slowly until absorbed. Whip the remaining whipping cream until it thickens and reaches spreading consistency. Frost cake with whipped cream and garnish with cherries. Store cake in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 642 calories, Carbohydrate 75 g, Cholesterol 240.7 mg, Fat 33 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 19.7 g, Sodium 270.5 mg, Sugar 61 g

TRES LECHES CAKE



Tres leches cake image

Bake a classic Mexican tres leches cake, sometimes called milk cake, for an afternoon treat or coffee morning - it gets its name from the three types of milk used

Provided by Cassie Best

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 12

flavourless oil , for the tin
4 eggs , separated
200g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
200g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
100ml milk
410g can evaporated milk
200ml sweetened condensed milk
300ml double cream
2 tbsp icing sugar
pinch cinnamon

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Lightly oil and line the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin.
  • Put the egg whites in a large bowl with a pinch of salt. Beat with an electric hand whisk until foamy, about 3 mins. Keep mixing while you add 150g of the sugar, a spoonful at a time, until thick and glossy.
  • In another bowl, mix the egg yolks, remaining sugar and vanilla (no need to clean the beaters first) for 2 mins, or until pale and foamy. Add the flour, baking powder and milk to the egg yolks, and use a spatula to fold everything together.
  • Add a large spoonful of egg white to the cake mix, beat together to loosen the mixture, then gently fold through the remaining egg whites with a large metal spoon (being careful not to over-stir so you don't knock out too much air), until you have a smooth batter.
  • Pour into the tin, smooth the top and bake for 40-45 mins until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Mix together the evaporated milk, condensed milk and 3 tbsp of the cream.
  • Leave the cake to cool for 10 mins in the tin, then ease a knife around the sides. Poke holes over the surface with a skewer, then pour over half the milk mixture. After 5 mins or so, most of it should have soaked into the cake. Leave for another 5 mins, then transfer to a plate and pour over some of the remaining milk until it starts to leak a little. (Any leftover milk that won't soak into the cake can be served on the side.) Leave to cool.
  • Whip the remaining cream and icing sugar together until holding soft peaks. Spread the cream over the cake and sprinkle with a little cinnamon. Can be made and chilled a day ahead. Serve in squares with any remaining soaking milk.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 301 calories, Fat 15 grams fat, SaturatedFat 9 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 34 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 25 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 6 grams protein, Sodium 0.3 milligram of sodium

HOW TO MAKE TRES LECHES CAKE



How to Make Tres Leches Cake image

Tres leches cake is a cake soaked in a sweet milk syrup and topped with whipped cream. If you want to get really fancy, spoon some diced strawberries and syrup over the cake. It's really moist, delicious, and simple.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 3h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon vegetable shortening, or as needed
1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup cold water
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon white sugar, or to taste
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 10x15-inch baking pan with vegetable shortening.
  • Combine yellow cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer until very smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Scrape batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top of the batter, shake pan, and tap lightly on counter 2 or 3 times to eliminate air bubbles.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean, about 22 minutes. Let cake cool in the pan at least 30 minutes. Poke holes all over the cake with a bamboo skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon.
  • Combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and half-and-half in a large bowl; slowly pour milk syrup all over the cake. Syrup will soak into cake. Wrap cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours (or preferably overnight).
  • Whip cream with sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until cream is fluffy; spoon whipped cream over cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 564.3 calories, Carbohydrate 62 g, Cholesterol 122.5 mg, Fat 31.1 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.5 g, Sodium 414.4 mg, Sugar 45.3 g

Tips:

  • Use a 9x13 inch baking dish for even cooking and to prevent the cake from becoming too thick.
  • Make sure the cake is completely cooled before pouring the tres leches mixture over it. This will help the cake to absorb the mixture evenly.
  • If you don't have evaporated milk, you can make your own by simmering regular milk until it has reduced by half.
  • You can also use sweetened condensed milk in place of the evaporated milk and sugar. Just be sure to reduce the amount of sugar you add to the tres leches mixture.
  • If you want a richer cake, you can use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk.
  • For a more decadent tres leches cake, you can top it with whipped cream, fruit, or nuts.

Conclusion:

Tres leches cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and fluffy texture and its rich and flavorful tres leches mixture, this cake is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give tres leches cake a try.

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