🍳DailyRecipes
Dessert

Classic Tres Leches Cake

A delightful and iconic Latin American sponge cake soaked in a sweet mixture of three different milks.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Latin American· July 17, 2026
Classic Tres Leches Cake
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Total
5 hours
Serves
12

If you have never tried a Tres Leches cake before, you are in for a real treat. It is one of the most beloved desserts from Latin America, and once you take that first bite, you will understand why the rest of the world has fallen in love with it. The name literally means three milks, and the cake turns into something that feels like a chilled vanilla pudding while staying light and springy.

This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for sharing because it serves a crowd. One of the best things about this dessert is that it actually tastes better the next day after it has had plenty of time to soak up all that milky goodness. Just remember to give yourself enough time to let it chill in the fridge before you plan to serve it.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can 14oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can 12oz evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  3. 3

    Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for about 10 minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and very airy.

  4. 4

    Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the dry ingredients alternating with the milk until just combined.

  5. 5

    Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. 6

    While the cake cools, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream in a bowl.

  7. 7

    Once the cake has cooled for about 30 minutes, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.

  8. 8

    Slowly pour the milk mixture over the entire cake, making sure it reaches the edges.

  9. 9

    Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before slicing and serving.

💡 Tips

Serve this cake cold straight from the fridge for the best texture. If you have leftovers, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, as the cake will stay moist and delicious.

#dessert#cake#vegetarian#party food

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