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The Best Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Indulge in the heavenly moistness of this Tres Leches Cake! Made with three kinds of milk – condensed, evaporated, and whole milk – this recipe creates a rich, sweet, and unforgettable dessert. We'll show you how to achieve the perfectly soaked cake, and how to beautifully disguise those necessary poke holes with a luscious whipped topping and fresh berries. Prepare for a taste of pure bliss in every bite!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 140 mins
Calories 259.9 kcal
Protein 12g
Rating 4.5 (14 Reviews)
The Best Tres Leches Cake 49

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Best Tres Leches Cake

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How to Make The Best Tres Leches Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, 4 large eggs, and 1 cup water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  3. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. While the cake is baking, prepare the three-milk mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk, and 1 cup whole milk. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until warm and well combined. Do not boil.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Once cooled, poke numerous holes all over the cake using a toothpick or fork. This allows the milk mixture to soak in evenly.
  7. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely. You may need to gently tilt the pan to ensure even saturation.
  8. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.
  9. Before serving, top with whipped cream (about 2 cups) and fresh berries (about 1 cup). Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

103g

Fat

15g

Carbs

13g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American For Large Groups Healthy Desserts American Mexican Oven Refrigerator Dinner Party Cakes Stove Top Dietary Comfort Food Northeastern United States Taste Mood Sweet Equipment Number Of Servings Presentation Served Cold 4 Hours Or Less