Sweet Tres Leches Cake

Many different cultures have a version of Tres Leches cake and as the name implies, this is a three milk cake that can be made as a single layer or multi-layer cake. This is basically a cake soaked in milk so if you attempt a multi-layer version you have to be able to hold the milk while the cake absorbs it and then stiffens. You also have to have a way to remove the cake from the soaking tray. This recipe needs to be made at least 6 hrs before serving but is actually best if made a day in advance.

Ingredients

  • Cake
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 3 large eggs – separated
    • 2 oz Milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/8 tsp Cream of tartar
  • Milk mixture
    • 8 oz Heavy Cream
    • 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
    • 12 oz Evaporated milk
  • Frosting
    • 16 oz. heavy cream
    • 1/4 cup Confectionery sugar
    • Decorations – strawberries, blue berries, etc.

Process

  1. Mise en place – measure and prepare ingredients prior to starting.
  2. Make Cake:
    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (325 F fan or if using a glass pan).
    2. Grease and flour a 9x 9″or 11″x7″ pan – double recipe for two layers.
    3. Sift the flour, baking powder into a large bowl.
    4. Make batter
      • Mix egg whites with the cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form.
      • Gradually add sugar.
      • Add yolks one at a time.
      • Reduce mixer speed to low (i.e., 1). In four intervals, add flour mixing until incorporated.
      • Add milk and vanilla until mixture is smooth.
    5. Pour batter into pan and bake ~30 mins.
  3. Let cake cool for at least 10 mins.
  4. Turn cake out (upside down) onto a spring-form pan (with removable sides).
  5. Make Milk Mixture (tres leches)
    1. Combine heavy cream, evaporated milk, and condensed milk.
    2. Pierce entire cake surface with a fork or small skewer and slowly drizzle milk mixture over the top letting cake absorb the milk. The cake will be very soggy, but that’s the point of this cake.
    3. Put cake in fridge over night to stiffen.
  6. Make Frosting:
    1. Whip the cream with the sugar on high speed until stiff.
    2. Remove cake pan side wall.
    3. Spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of the soaked cake and decorate.
  7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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