Classic Tres Leches Cake
Soft, creamy, and soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, this Classic Tres Leches Cake is finished with a fluffy whipped topping, cinnamon, and optional fresh strawberries.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25–35 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
Servings: 12
Ingredients
Cake Base
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1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (6 g)
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¼ teaspoon salt
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5 large eggs, separated
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1 cup or 3 scoops Prolean
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⅓ cup whole milk (80 ml)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
Three-Milk Soak
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1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
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1 can (14 oz / 396 ml) sweetened condensed milk
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¼ cup whole milk (60 ml)
Whipped Topping & Garnish
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1 pint heavy whipping cream (475 ml)
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3 tablespoons powdered sugar (24 g)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
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Ground cinnamon, to taste
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Fresh sliced strawberries, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven & Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Separate the egg yolks and egg whites into two large, clean mixing bowls.
2. Mix the Batter
Add ¾ cup of the Prolean to the bowl with the egg yolks. Beat on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Stir in ⅓ cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Gently pour the yolk mixture over the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Take care not to overmix.
3. Whip the Egg Whites
Using clean electric beaters, whip the egg whites on high speed.
As soft peaks begin to form, gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of Prolean, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter in batches until evenly incorporated.
4. Bake & Cool
Pour the batter into an ungreased 9 × 13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.
5. Prepare the Three-Milk Soak
In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together:
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Evaporated milk
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Sweetened condensed milk
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¼ cup whole milk
Poke holes all over the cooled cake using a fork.
Slowly pour the three-milk mixture over the entire surface of the cake, making sure to distribute it evenly and reach the edges.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.
6. Make the Whipped Topping
Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to a mixing bowl.
Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.
7. Garnish & Serve
Lightly dust the top with ground cinnamon.
Add fresh sliced strawberries, if desired.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Storage
Keep your Tres Leches Cake covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. For the best texture and flavor, allow plenty of time for the cake to chill and absorb the three-milk mixture before serving.