Pastel de Tres Leches
Ingredients
For the cake:
200 g Flour (plain)
150 g Sugar (caster)
5 Eggs
120 ml Milk
Lemon zest
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Vanilla extract
For the sauce:
- 250 ml Condensed milk
- 250 ml Evaporated milk
250 ml Double cream- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
For the chantilly:
- 250 ml Double cream at least 35% fat
- 40 g Sugar (caster)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
Cake:
- Separate the yolks and the egg whites and pre heat your oven at 180°.
- Place the egg whites in a bowl and beat them for 5 minutes at high speed to foam them (or until it foam if you do not have a batter).
- Add half the sugar and keep beating for 3 minutes or until it is firm.
- Once it is firm, cover them and reserve for later.
- In another bowl, beat the yolks at high speed for 1 minutes
- Once they have a creamy texture, add the rest of the sugar.
- Keep beating for another 5 minutes to whiten the yolks and raise their volume.
- Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest, then keep beating to distribute the flavor and add the milk.
- Once the ingredients are mixed, add the eggs whites from earlier. Mix well gently with circular movements as to not lose the air in foamed egg whites and get a creamy dough.
- With the strainer, sift the flour with the baking powder. Tap the strainer to sift.
- Once sifted, mix the ingredients in a circular motion slowly again.
- Grease a cake mould with oil or butter, then pour the dough inside and flatten it with a spatula.
- Put in the pre-heated oven for 45 minutes. After that, let it cool down for 10 minutes before unmoulding it.
- Once cool, place the cake in its container again.
- If you do not have a a hermetic container, place plastic wrap in the container so it doesn't come out.
- Place the cake in the container, then poke the cake with a knife to let the sauce moist the cake
Sauce:
- Put the condensed milk, the evaporated milk, the cream and vanilla extract in a big bowl.
- Mix with a whisk or spoon.
- Cover the cake with the sauce using a spoon. It needs to be fully drenched with the sauce.
- Once it is drenched with half the sauce; cover it with a plastic wrap and leave in the fridge overnight.
- Unmould the cake and pour the rest of the sauce on top. You can add the whipped cream on top.
For the whipped cream:
- Place the cold liquid cream in a bowl and whip it for 2 minutes at high speed or until it foams a bit.
- Add the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, then whip for 2 more minutes or until it's firm.
- Cover the top of the cake with the whipped cream. You can sprinkle some cinnamon on top or strawberries if you like.
- Enjoy !
Video
Notes
FAQs
What is Pastel de Tres Leches?
Pastel de Tres Leches is a soft, sponge-style cake soaked in a mixture of three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and double cream (or whole milk). It’s light, airy, and incredibly moist – a popular dessert across Latin America.
Why is my Tres Leches cake soggy or collapsing?
The cake should be moist but still hold its structure. If it collapses, it may have been underbaked. Make sure a skewer inserted in the centre comes out completely clean before removing it from the oven.
Can I make Tres Leches without evaporated milk?
Yes. You can substitute evaporated milk with whole milk simmered for 10 minutes to reduce it slightly, or with half-and-half. The flavour won’t be identical, but it works well.
Is Tres Leches cake meant to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because of the milk mixture and whipped cream topping, it must be stored in the fridge. It tastes best chilled and can be kept for up to 3 days.
Can I make Tres Leches cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s even better the next day after the milk mixture has fully soaked in. Many people prepare it 24 hours before serving.
Why did my cake not absorb the milk mixture?
This usually happens if the sponge is too dense. Ensure you beat the eggs properly to create volume and poke lots of holes in the cake while it’s still warm before pouring the milk.
Can I make Tres Leches lactose-free?
Yes. Use lactose-free alternatives for milk, cream, and condensed milk (available in many UK supermarkets). The texture stays very close to the original.
Can I add alcohol to Tres Leches cake?
Yes – a splash of rum, brandy, or dulce de leche liqueur can be added to the milk mixture for a festive, adult version. Use sparingly so the flavour doesn’t overpower the dessert.
What toppings can I use besides whipped cream?
Fresh fruit (especially strawberries, mango, or berries), cinnamon, chocolate shavings, or dulce de leche are all popular options.
Is Pastel de Tres Leches very sweet?
It is sweet, but the cold temperature and the airy sponge balance it out. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the condensed milk by 2-3 tablespoons.
I had this delicious cake for Christmas and it was absolutely delightful. Everyone loved it and had seconds even though we were bursting with food. Unbelievable!