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Tres Leches Cake Recipe: Easy Ultra-Moist Dessert with Whipped Cream

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This ultra-moist tres leches cake is soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, topped with stabilized whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF option)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
  • Butter, for greasing pan
  • 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3 tablespoons (24g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding powder
  • 1 pint (about 300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, if berries are tart)

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or baking spray. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift for extra fluffiness if desired.
  3. Separate eggs. Beat yolks with 3/4 cup sugar on high speed until pale yellow and doubled in volume (about 3 minutes). Add milk and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
  4. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into yolk mixture. Fold in whipped egg whites in thirds, keeping batter airy.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer.
  8. Whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
  9. Slowly pour milk mixture over cake, letting it absorb. Cover and chill in fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  10. Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional pudding powder until stiff peaks form.
  11. Hull and slice strawberries. Toss with sugar if desired.
  12. Spread whipped cream over chilled, soaked cake. Top with strawberries.
  13. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Notes

Let the cake soak for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) for maximum moisture. Use room temperature eggs for best volume. Stabilize whipped cream with instant pudding or cornstarch if serving at a party. For gluten-free or dairy-free options, substitute flour and milks as needed. Add strawberries just before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cake, ultra-moist cake, Mexican dessert, whipped cream, strawberries, easy cake recipe, potluck dessert, birthday cake, comfort food

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