Tres Leches Cake (Costa Rican Style)
A beloved dessert in Costa Rica, this moist sponge cake is soaked in a mixture of three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, often topped with a light meringue or whipped cream.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 6 separated Large eggs
- 1/2 cup Milk(for cake batter)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- for topping Optional: Meringue or whipped cream
- for dusting Optional: Cinnamon
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
💡 Tip: Line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal. - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1.5 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt.
💡 Tip: Sift dry ingredients for a lighter cake. - 3
In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, 1/2 cup milk, and vanilla extract. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
💡 Tip: Do not overmix the batter. - 4
In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter.
💡 Tip: Ensure egg whites are fully incorporated for a fluffy texture. - 5
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
⏱️ 35 minutes - 6
While the cake is baking, prepare the milk mixture: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.
💡 Tip: Chill the milk mixture for a refreshing cake. - 7
Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
💡 Tip: Ensure the milk is evenly distributed. - 8
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to become fully saturated.
⏱️ 4+ hours💡 Tip: Chilling is crucial for the cake's signature moistness. - 9
Before serving, top with meringue or whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
💡 Tip: Serve chilled.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using room temperature eggs will help them whip up better.
- ✓Don't skip the chilling time; it's essential for the cake's texture.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of rum to the milk mixture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of fruit, such as strawberries or peaches, between the cake and the topping.
- Some recipes include a hint of nutmeg in the cake batter.