Tres Leches Cake Costarricense
A beloved dessert in Costa Rica, this moist sponge cake is soaked in a mixture of three milks and topped with a light meringue or whipped cream.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 6 separated Large eggs
- 0.5 cup Milk(whole milk)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream(for soaking and topping)
- 3 from the separated eggs Egg whites(for meringue topping (optional))
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar(for meringue topping (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pan is well-greased to prevent sticking. - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1.5 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 0.5 cup milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
💡 Tip: Ensure yolks are well beaten. - 4
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 5
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the 6 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to deflate the egg whites. - 6
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
⏱️ 30-35 minutes - 7
While the cake is baking, prepare the milk mixture: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and 1 cup heavy cream.
- 8
Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately poke holes all over the top with a fork or skewer.
💡 Tip: Poking holes allows the milk mixture to penetrate. - 9
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in completely. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
⏱️ 2-3 hours💡 Tip: Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, for best results. - 10
Optional Meringue Topping: Beat the 3 egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 0.25 cup sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Spread over the chilled cake.
💡 Tip: Alternatively, top with whipped cream. - 11
Slice and serve chilled.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume when beating.
- ✓Don't overbake the cake, as it needs to be moist to absorb the milk.
- ✓Allowing the cake to chill overnight significantly improves the texture and flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of fruit (like strawberries or peaches) between the cake and the topping.
- Infuse the milk mixture with a cinnamon stick or a touch of rum.
- Use whipped cream instead of meringue for a lighter topping.