Ultimate Tres Leches Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Ultimate Tres Leches Cake, a beloved Latin American dessert that celebrates the fusion of sweet, moist cake and three delicious types of milk. Originating from Mexico or Nicaragua, this cake is renowned for its dense, velvety texture and intensely sweet flavor. With layers of whipped frosting and a glossy finish, this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, this cake is best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Treat your family and friends to a delightful slice of this creamy dessert that’s sure to become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg Whites
6 (Separate from yolks and place in a large mixing bowl.)
Sugar
2 cups (Gradually add to egg whites while beating.)
Egg Yolks
8 (Separate from whites; mix in after egg whites.)
Self-Rising Flour
2 cups (Gently fold into the batter.)
Evaporated Milk
1/4 cup (Add to cake batter.)
Water
1/4 cup (Add to cake batter.)
Half-and-Half
1 cup (Use in custard filling.)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 (14 ounce) can (Use in custard filling.)
Evaporated Milk
1 1/4 cups (Use in custard filling.)
Egg Yolk
1 (Reserve from earlier for custard.)
Egg Whites
2 (Reserve from earlier for frosting.)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Add to frosting mixture.)
Light Corn Syrup
1/2 cup (Add to frosting while whisking.)
Maraschino Cherries
16 (Use for decoration.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, separate 6 egg whites and place them in the bowl, while placing 8 egg yolks in a separate small bowl. Reserve 1 egg yolk for the custard and 2 egg whites for the frosting.
3
Using an electric mixer, beat the 6 egg whites until soft peaks form.
4
Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form.
5
Mix in the 8 egg yolks until well combined.
6
Gently fold in the self-rising flour, evaporated milk, and water with a wooden spoon or spatula, mixing until just combined.
7
Pour the batter into an ungreased 13x9” baking pan. Ensure not to overfill, as the frosting will be added later.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
While the cake is baking, prepare the custard filling by blending together the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, 1 1/4 cups of evaporated milk, and the reserved egg yolk until smooth.
10
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the custard mixture evenly over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake. Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate for 7-8 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
11
For the frosting, in a clean mixing bowl, beat the reserved 2 egg whites until soft peaks form.
12
Gradually add the 1/2 cup of sugar, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
13
Slowly drizzle in the light corn syrup while continuing to beat until the frosting is thick and glossy.
14
Spread the frosting over the chilled cake and arrange maraschino cherries on top for decoration. Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Tres Leches Cake?
It is a popular Latin American dessert known for its dense, velvety texture and intensely sweet flavor, made by soaking cake in three types of milk.
Where did Tres Leches cake originate?
This dessert originates from Mexico or Nicaragua.
What are the three types of milk used in the custard filling?
The custard is made using half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many egg whites and yolks are used in the cake batter?
The batter uses 6 egg whites and 8 egg yolks.
What type of flour is required for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 cups of self-rising flour.
Should I grease the baking pan?
No, you should use an ungreased 13x9” baking pan.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How do I check if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
When should I pour the custard over the cake?
Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pour the custard mixture evenly over the top.
How long should the cake chill before serving?
The cake should be refrigerated for 7-8 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The frosting consists of 2 reserved egg whites, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of light corn syrup.
How do I achieve a thick and glossy frosting?
By slowly drizzling in light corn syrup while continuing to beat the egg white and sugar mixture.
What is used to decorate the top of the cake?
The cake is decorated with maraschino cherries arranged on top.
Can I serve the cake warm?
It is best enjoyed chilled to allow the milks to meld and the texture to set.
How much sugar is in the cake batter?
The cake batter contains 2 cups of sugar.
How do I incorporate the flour into the batter?
Gently fold in the self-rising flour using a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.
What liquids are added directly to the cake batter?
The batter includes 1/4 cup of evaporated milk and 1/4 cup of water.
Why are the egg whites beaten separately from the yolks?
Beating egg whites to stiff peaks provides the structure and lift for the cake.
Is there egg in the custard filling?
Yes, one reserved egg yolk is blended into the custard mixture.
How many maraschino cherries are recommended for decoration?
The recipe suggests using 16 maraschino cherries.
What size baking pan should be used?
A 13x9” baking pan is required.
Should the cake be cooled before adding the custard?
No, the custard should be poured over the cake while it is still hot from the oven.
What texture should the egg whites be before adding sugar?
They should be beaten until soft peaks form before gradually adding sugar.
Can I store this cake at room temperature?
No, the cake must be kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
Is the cake very sweet?
Yes, it is known for its intensely sweet flavor due to the combination of milks and sugar.
What tools are needed to make the frosting?
A clean mixing bowl and an electric mixer or whisk are needed to beat the frosting.
What is the role of the sweetened condensed milk?
It provides the signature thick sweetness and creaminess to the soaking liquid.
How long does the cake cool on the counter before going into the fridge?
It should cool for about 20 minutes before being placed in the refrigerator.
Is this a good dessert for large gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings or special occasions and is a crowd-favorite.