Classic Spanish-Style Tres Leches Cake (Three Milk Cake)

Tres Leches Cake is a classic dessert made with a light sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three different milks. The cake absorbs the liquid, creating a moist texture throughout. It is traditionally topped with whipped cream and often finished with fresh fruit. Simple to prepare and easy to serve, it is a popular choice for family meals and special occasions.

What Is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres Leches Cake is known across Spain and Latin America. It is named after the three milks used to soak the sponge, that is, milk, condensed milk, and cream. The cake itself is intentionally airy so it can absorb the liquid without falling apart. Once chilled, the sponge becomes moist all the way through while still holding its shape.

Pro Tips for the Best Tres Leches Cake

• Use room-temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed batter that bakes up light.
• Don’t rush the soaking step by pouring the milk mixture slowly so the cake absorbs it evenly without flooding.
• Always chill the cake for several hours before decorating to allow the texture to fully develop.
• Whip the cream just until soft peaks form to keep the topping light and spreadable rather than dense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Tres Leches Cake So Moist?

The moisture comes from the sponge absorbing a mixture of three milks after baking. The cake is designed to be porous, allowing the liquid to seep in evenly without becoming mushy. Chilling helps the sponge settle and hold onto that moisture.

What Kind of Pan Works Best for Tres Leches Cake?

A pan with straight sides helps the milk mixture distribute evenly as it soaks in. Avoid springform pans unless they are tightly sealed, as the milk mixture can leak. Glass or metal pans both work well.

Can I Use Other Toppings Instead of Berries?

Tres Leches Cake is very adaptable when it comes to toppings. Sliced peaches, mango, pineapple, or even grated chocolate pair beautifully with the creamy base. Just keep the topping light so it doesn’t overpower the cake.

Can I Freeze Tres Leches Cake?

Tres Leches Cake can be frozen, but it’s best done without the whipped cream topping. Wrap the soaked cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Once thawed, decorate with freshly whipped cream and fruit before serving.

How to Store Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake can remain fresh for 3 days when covered and stored in the refrigerator. Add fresh fruit just before serving leftovers for the best presentation.

How to Make Tres Leches Cake

Step 1

Step 1

Add the butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer.

Add the butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer.

Step 2

Step 2

Pour in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Pour in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3

Step 3

Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. The batter should look smooth and light, not overworked.

Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. The batter should look smooth and light, not overworked.

Step 4

Step 4

Pour the batter into a lined 22cm cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/360°F for 40 minutes.

Pour the batter into a lined 22cm cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/360°F for 40 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Remove the cake from the oven and, while it’s still hot, prick the surface generously with a skewer.

While the cake bakes, stir together the milk, condensed milk, and fresh cream.

Step 6

Step 6

Slowly pour the three-milk mixture over the cake, starting from the edges and moving inward.

Remove the cake from the oven and, while it’s still hot, prick the surface generously with a skewer.

Step 7

Step 7

Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Slowly pour the three-milk mixture over the cake, starting from the edges and moving inward.

Step 8

Step 8

Add the fresh cream and powdered sugar to a bowl and whip with an electric mixer. Transfer the cream to a piping bag.

Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Step 9

Step 9

Pipe small tufts of whipped cream over the chilled cake and decorate with raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Slice, serve, and enjoy every creamy bite.

Add the fresh cream and powdered sugar to a bowl and whip with an electric mixer. Transfer the cream to a piping bag.

Step 10

Step 10

Pipe small tufts of whipped cream over the chilled cake and decorate with raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Slice, serve, and enjoy every creamy bite.