Layered Tres Leches Delight
Experience the rich and creamy flavors of this traditional Mexican Tres Leches Cake, a beloved dessert perfect for any occasion. This moist cake is soaked in a delightful mixture of three types of milk, resulting in an indulgent treat that melts in your mouth. The light and fluffy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making it a showstopper for gatherings or a sweet end to a family meal. Treat your taste buds to this authentic recipe, where every bite transports you to the vibrant culture of Mexico.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs (separated)
6 (Whites and yolks separated)
Sugar
2 cups (Divided for batter and frosting)
Flour
2 cups (All-purpose flour)
Baking Powder
3 teaspoons (Leavening agent)
Milk
1/2 cup (Whole milk)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (Pure vanilla extract)
Evaporated Milk
1 (13 oz) can (For soaking mixture)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 (14 oz) can (For soaking mixture)
Crema Media (Light Cream)
1 (225 g) can (For soaking mixture)
Egg Whites
2 (For frosting)
Salt
1 dash (To taste)
White Corn Syrup
2 tablespoons (For soaking mixture)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (For frosting)
Water
1/3 cup (For frosting)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (For frosting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 cups of sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks and beat them into the egg white mixture, beating for an additional 3 minutes.
4
In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is well combined.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6
While the cake is baking, prepare the milk soaking mixture. In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, crema, corn syrup, and remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Blend until smooth.
7
Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly before using a toothpick to poke holes all over the top. Pour the milk mixture over the warm cake, ensuring it absorbs the liquid. Allow it to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to soak it properly.
8
For the frosting, combine 2 egg whites, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, a dash of salt, and water in the top of a double boiler. Cook over simmering water for 7 to 10 minutes, beating constantly until the mixture is fluffy and glossy.
9
Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake. Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Layered Tres Leches Delight?
Layered Tres Leches Delight is a traditional Mexican cake known for its rich, creamy flavors and moist texture, achieved by soaking the sponge in a mixture of three different types of milk.
What does the term 'Tres Leches' mean?
'Tres Leches' translates to 'three milks,' which refers to the unique soaking liquid composed of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cream.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking pan that has been properly greased.
How do I prepare the egg whites for the batter?
Beat the egg whites in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form, then gradually add 2 cups of sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
When should the egg yolks be added to the batter?
After the egg whites have reached stiff peaks with the sugar, beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl and then incorporate them into the white mixture for an additional 3 minutes.
How are the dry ingredients incorporated?
Combine the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl and gradually add this mixture to the egg base, alternating with the 1/2 cup of milk.
How long does the Tres Leches cake take to bake?
The cake typically bakes for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven.
How can I check if the cake is fully baked?
You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished.
Which three milks are used in the soaking mixture?
This recipe uses a blend of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and crema media (light cream).
What is the best way to mix the soaking liquids?
Combine the three milks, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?
Poking holes with a toothpick all over the top of the cake allows the milk mixture to be absorbed deeply into the sponge.
Should the cake be warm or cold when adding the milk mixture?
The milk mixture should be poured over the cake while it is still warm to ensure maximum absorption.
How long should the cake soak in the refrigerator?
For the best results, let the cake soak in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or, ideally, overnight.
What ingredients are needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 2 egg whites, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, a dash of salt, water, and vanilla extract.
How is the frosting cooked?
The frosting is cooked in the top of a double boiler over simmering water for 7 to 10 minutes while being beaten constantly.
What is the final texture of the frosting?
The finished frosting should be light, fluffy, and glossy.
Is vanilla used in both the soak and the frosting?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are added to the milk soaking mixture and another 2 teaspoons are added to the frosting.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Does the recipe include corn syrup?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of white corn syrup are added to the milk soaking mixture for sweetness and consistency.
How many eggs are used in the entire recipe?
A total of 8 eggs are used: 6 separated eggs for the cake batter and 2 egg whites for the frosting.
What is Crema Media?
Crema Media is a shelf-stable light cream often used in Mexican desserts; this recipe uses one 225-gram can.
Can I store the cake at room temperature?
No, because of the milk content and the type of frosting, the cake must be kept refrigerated until it is ready to be served.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a showstopper for gatherings and a beloved dessert for any celebration.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of baking powder to act as the leavening agent.
How much sugar is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 1 1/2 cups of sugar.
What amount of milk is used in the batter itself?
The batter uses 1/2 cup of whole milk, which is separate from the soaking milk mixture.
What is the purpose of adding a dash of salt to the frosting?
A dash of salt is added to the frosting to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
How much water is needed for the frosting recipe?
The frosting requires 1/3 cup of water to be mixed with the egg whites and sugar.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your 9x13-inch baking pan.