Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the milk mixture:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
For the topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture, stirring until well combined.
- In a separate clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until no streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the milk mixture. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk until well combined.
- When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the baking dish for about 10 minutes.
- Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the milk mixture.
- Before serving, prepare the topping. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the chilled cake. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for garnish, if desired.
- Slice and serve the Tres Leches cake chilled. Enjoy!
- This classic Tres Leches cake is moist, rich, and absolutely delicious—a perfect dessert for any occasion!