Description
This Vanilla Tres Leches Cake is a moist and luscious dessert featuring a soft vanilla sponge cake soaked in a rich blend of three milks—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk—topped with a fluffy whipped cream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion where a creamy, indulgent treat is desired.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Milk Soaking Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
Topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prepare it for the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring good incorporation of air.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and poke holes: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature. Then, use a fork to poke holes all over the top surface of the cake to allow the milk mixture to soak in thoroughly.
- Prepare milk mixture: In a bowl, whisk together whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk until combined.
- Soak the cake: Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cooled cake, letting the liquid absorb completely for maximum moistness.
- Whip topping: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy frosting.
- Frost and chill: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the topping set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with cream for a richer soaking mixture.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before pouring the milk mixture to avoid it becoming too soggy.
- Refrigerate the cake well before serving to ensure the milks soak evenly and the whipped cream frosting holds its shape.
- For an extra touch, garnish with ground cinnamon or fresh berries just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: tres leches cake, vanilla tres leches, milk soaked cake, creamy cake dessert, Mexican dessert, whipped cream topping
