Zesty Limon Tres Leches Cake
This Zesty Limon Tres Leches Cake is an elegant twist on the classic Mexican dessert. Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, this version balances the sweetness of traditional tres leches with a delightful citrus zing. The cake features a perfectly moist, dense crumb, absorbed with a delicious blend of three types of milk, creating an indulgent yet light experience. Topped with a fluffy lemon meringue frosting that holds its shape even when chilled, each slice offers a delicate taste and a glamorous appearance, perfect for special occasions or a delightful family treat.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 1/2 cups
baking powder
1 tablespoon
eggs, separated
7
sugar
1 cup
whole milk
3/4 cup
vanilla
1 tablespoon
evaporated milk
12 ounces
sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces
whipping cream
1 cup
lemon juice
1/4 cup
egg whites
6
cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
sugar
1 1/2 cups
water
3/4 cup
lemon zest
from 1 lemon
lemon juice
from 1 lemon
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; set this dry mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the 7 egg whites until foamy, then slowly add the 1 cup of sugar while continuing to beat until soft peaks form, approximately 3 minutes.
4
Beat in the egg yolks one by one into the meringue mixture.
5
Alternately add one-third of the flour mixture and one-third of the whole milk to the egg mixture, beating on low speed until each addition is combined. Finally, mix in the vanilla.
6
Divide the cake batter evenly into two buttered and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
7
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cakes for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Slice each cake horizontally into 2 layers.
9
In a medium bowl, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whipping cream with the lemon juice.
10
Poke each cake layer with a toothpick all over to create small holes and slowly drizzle the milk mixture evenly over all layers until absorbed.
11
For the meringue frosting, beat 6 egg whites with cream of tartar and salt in a clean, large bowl until stiff peaks form.
12
In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup water, and lemon zest and juice; boil until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
13
Slowly stream the hot syrup into the egg whites while beating on medium speed until the meringue is firm and glossy, about 5-6 minutes.
14
Stack the cake layers. Evenly spread the meringue over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula.
15
Refrigerate the cake until serving time to let the flavors meld and the meringue set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Zesty Limon Tres Leches Cake?
It is an elegant twist on the classic Mexican dessert that incorporates fresh lemon zest and juice for a citrus zing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the initial preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
At what temperature should the cakes be baked?
The baking temperature should be reduced to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) once the cakes are placed in the oven.
How long do the cakes need to bake?
The cakes should bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What three types of milk are used for the soaking liquid?
The three milks used are evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whipping cream.
How many eggs are required for the cake batter?
Seven eggs are used for the batter, and they must be separated into yolks and whites.
How many egg whites are needed for the frosting?
Six egg whites are used specifically for the meringue frosting.
How much flour is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of flour.
What kind of cake pans should be used?
You should use two 9-inch round cake pans that have been buttered and floured.
How long should the cakes cool before being removed from the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes.
How are the cake layers prepared for assembly?
Each of the two 9-inch cakes should be sliced horizontally to create a total of four layers.
What citrus ingredients are added to the milk mixture?
One-fourth cup of lemon juice is combined with the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream.
How do you ensure the milk mixture is absorbed into the cake?
Poke each cake layer all over with a toothpick to create small holes before drizzling the milk mixture.
What temperature must the frosting syrup reach?
The sugar and lemon syrup must reach 240 degrees Fahrenheit (115 degrees Celsius) on a candy thermometer.
What ingredients make up the meringue frosting syrup?
The syrup is made from 1 1/2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup water, and the zest and juice of one lemon.
How do you achieve stiff peaks for the meringue?
Beat 6 egg whites with cream of tartar and salt in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form.
How long do you beat the meringue after adding the hot syrup?
Beat on medium speed for about 5 to 6 minutes until the meringue is firm and glossy.
Does the cake need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, refrigerate the cake until serving to allow flavors to meld and the meringue to set.
What is the texture of the Zesty Limon Tres Leches Cake?
It has a perfectly moist, dense crumb that is indulgent yet light due to the citrus elements.
Can the meringue frosting be chilled?
Yes, this specific fluffy lemon meringue frosting is designed to hold its shape even when chilled.
How much vanilla is used in the recipe?
One tablespoon of vanilla is mixed into the cake batter.
What is the role of cream of tartar in this recipe?
It is used in the frosting to stabilize the egg whites and help them achieve stiff peaks.
How much sugar is used in the cake batter?
One cup of sugar is slowly added to the beaten egg whites for the batter.
How should the flour and milk be added to the egg mixture?
They should be added alternately in three parts, beating on low speed until combined.
Is salt included in this recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is used in the frosting preparation.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of baking powder.
What is the total amount of sweetened condensed milk used?
The recipe uses one 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk.
How much whole milk goes into the batter?
The batter requires 3/4 cup of whole milk.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its glamorous appearance and elegant lemon flavor make it perfect for parties and family treats.