Ingredients
Biscuit Base






Milk Soak (Three Milks)
Cream Topping





Instructions
Step 1
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add 75 grams of sugar, continuing to whip until you achieve stiff peaks.
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the remaining 75 grams of sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula.
Sift together the flour and baking powder, and carefully incorporate this into the batter. Pour the batter into a greased 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) square baking pan and bake at 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool and poke it all over with a fork.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cream, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Carefully remove the biscuit from the baking pan (you can wash the pan) and place it back into the pan.
Gently pour half of the milk mixture over the cooled biscuit, allowing it to absorb fully. Wait until the first half is soaked in before adding the remaining liquid.
The cake should become soaked but not overly mushy. Cover and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4-5 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 3
For the cream topping, start with pasteurized egg yolks or heat the yolks in a water bath with sugar until they reach 60-65 degrees Celsius (140-149 degrees Fahrenheit), stirring constantly. Add in some vanilla extract for flavor.
Using a mixer, beat the yolks until they turn pale and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold cream until soft, yet stable peaks form.
Combine the mascarpone with the whipped yolks and mix until smooth. Then gently fold in the whipped cream until evenly incorporated.
Spread or pipe the cream topping over the soaked cake as desired.
Step 4
Feel free to decorate the top of the cake with cinnamon, fresh berries, caramel, or shredded coconut as preferred. For the best texture and flavor, serve the cake slightly chilled.
Enjoy your delicious Tres Leches Cake!
Servings
1. Berry Bliss: Top the cake with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor! ππ«
2. Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can transform your cake into a true indulgence. π«
3. Whipped Cream Wonder: Serve alongside a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an extra creamy experience! βοΈ
Serve it chilled for that refreshing summery vibe, and watch it disappear as your guests beg for seconds!
Equipment
Make sure your baking pan is greased well to avoid sticking. A slightly larger pan will create a thinner cake, while a smaller pan will yield a thicker texture.
Using an electric mixer can save you time and ensure that your egg whites achieve the perfect stiff peaks needed for the cake's fluffiness.
Sifting the flour and baking powder is a small but crucial step. It helps to aerate the ingredients and prevent lumps, resulting in a lighter cake.



Variations
Vegan Variation: Use a plant-based milk blend such as almond, soy, or oat milk for the three milk mixture, and replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds combined with water for binding. A vegan cream substitute, like coconut whipped cream, can make the frosting incredibly rich! π±π₯₯
Faq
- Why did my cake not rise?
This might be due to underwhipping the egg whites or not using fresh baking powder. Ensure everything is properly whipped and check the expiration date of your baking powder!
- How do I know when my cake is done baking?
A toothpick test is your best friend! Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
- Can I add flavors to the milk mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or even a splash of rum or vanilla extract to add extra flavor to the soaking milk.
- How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
Carefully control the amount of milk mixture you pour over the cake. Allow it to soak but avoid pouring everything in at once!
- What can I use instead of mascarpone?
You can use cream cheese for a dairy option or vegan cream cheese for a plant-based substitute. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking!
- Can I freeze Tres Leches Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unsoaked cake! However, itβs best to soak it right before serving to maintain texture.