Tres Leches Cake

This classic Tres Leches Cake is soft, soaked, and absolutely dreamy. Made with a fluffy sponge and soaked in three kinds of milk, it’s topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. It’s simple, elegant, and the kind of dessert that gets even better with time. Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or treating yourself on a cozy evening in, this cake is a celebration in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 5 large eggs, separated

• ¾ cup sugar, divided

• ⅓ cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the milk soak:

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream

For the topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the sponge cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ½ cup of the sugar until pale and thick. Stir in the milk and vanilla.
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Then fold in the dry ingredients just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 2: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes.

Step 3: Soak the cake
In a mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.
Poke holes all over the slightly warm cake using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Make the whipped topping
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Finish and serve
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake. Generously dust the top with ground cinnamon. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips:

Overnight Chill: Letting the cake soak overnight makes it extra luscious and tender.
Clean Cuts: Wipe your knife between slices for neat edges.
Serving Suggestion: A hot cup of tea or coffee pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness.