Are you craving a moist, decadent dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this Tres Leches Cake recipe! This classic Latin American treat, known for its incredibly soft texture and delightful sweetness, is perfect for any occasion. Forget complicated baking techniques – this recipe offers a straightforward approach to achieving a truly delicious, homemade cake. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy dessert recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let's gather our ingredients!
- For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Sliced strawberries
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a deliciously moist Tres Leches Cake:
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Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the yellow cake mix box, using the milk, oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
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Make the Milk Mixture: While the cake is cooling, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined.
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Soak the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully poke holes all over the top using a fork or a toothpick. This allows the milk mixture to soak evenly into the cake. Gradually pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it's evenly distributed. You might not use all of the mixture; let the cake absorb as much as it can. If there's excess, you can pour it over the sides. Allow the cake to soak for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours in the refrigerator to achieve maximum moisture.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to become beautifully moist. Before serving, top with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, strawberries, and fresh mint.
Tips for Tres Leches Success:
- Don't overbake the cake: Overbaking will result in a dry cake, which defeats the purpose of this recipe! Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- Let the cake cool completely: Pouring the milk mixture onto a warm cake will result in a soggy mess. Patience is key here!
- Poke holes generously: The more holes you poke, the more evenly the milk mixture will soak into the cake.
- Refrigerate for best results: Refrigerating the cake allows the flavors to develop and the cake to absorb maximum moisture.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced Tres Leches Cake.
- Citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest added to the milk mixture provides a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate lovers: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich chocolate Tres Leches Cake.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutritional calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Around 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 40-50g
- Protein: About 5-7g
This Tres Leches Cake recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes perfect for beginner bakers. The moist texture and rich flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy this simple, yet impressive dessert recipe!