TRES LECHES CAKE

WineCheeseScallops
7 days ago
6 min read

There are few desserts as universally loved as a good Tres Leches Cake — that perfect balance of light, airy sponge soaked in three creamy milks and topped with a cloud of homemade whipped cream. It’s sweet, tender, and irresistibly moist — a slice of pure indulgence that feels both elegant and comforting.

Slice of tres leches cake topped with whipped cream, mint, and cinnamon, served with a sliced strawberry on a dark plate. Fork and spoon nearby.

Jump to recipe
Helpful tools for this recipe

This cake may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch. With a rich vanilla sponge that soaks up the sweet milk mixture and a touch of cinnamon for warmth, it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together — whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting Sunday dinner, or just craving something special. Every bite is like a hug on a fork.

Affiliate Link

We’re excited to share that Wine Cheese Scallops is now part of the Amazon Affiliate Program! 🎉 When you shop using our special link, ANY item you purchase—whether it’s kitchen gear, home essentials, books, or even dog treats—helps support our blog at no extra cost to you.

It’s a simple way to help us keep creating recipes, reviews, and foodie fun you love. So whether you're restocking pantry staples or grabbing your next favorite gadget, your support means the world to us. 🛒💛

A hand holds a metal measuring cup scooping flour from a white container on a wooden surface. Bright lighting highlights the textures.

The “Tres Leches” Trio

The name Tres Leches literally means “three milks,” referring to the heavenly blend of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream poured over the baked sponge. Each brings something unique — evaporated milk adds richness without heaviness, condensed milk provides sweetness and silkiness, and heavy cream ties it all together for that signature luscious texture. It’s this trifecta that transforms a humble cake into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.

Bowl of white eggs marked with red "EB" on a wooden table. Eggs are neatly arranged, creating a clean and natural look.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon gives this cake a warm, aromatic touch that perfectly complements the sweet milk soak. A traditional addition in Latin American versions of Tres Leches Cake, cinnamon adds depth and a comforting scent that makes your kitchen smell absolutely divine. Sprinkle a little extra on top before serving — it’s a simple detail that elevates the presentation and flavor beautifully.

Sponsored Ad

Hands cracking an egg over a clear glass bowl on a wooden countertop, with kitchen utensils blurred in the background.

Recipe Origin

The origins of Tres Leches Cake trace back to Latin America, with strong roots in Mexico and Nicaragua, where it became a celebration staple. Though its exact beginnings are debated, most food historians agree that the dessert gained popularity in the mid-20th century when canned milks became widely available.

KitchenAid mixer blending yellow batter in a glass bowl. Kitchen countertop with blurred background, including a dark container. Cozy kitchen vibe.

Over time, the recipe spread across Latin American kitchens, evolving into countless regional variations — some topped with meringue, others with fruit or cinnamon. Our version stays true to the classic — soaked, soft, and delicately spiced, finished with billowy whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It’s proof that the simplest ingredients can create something truly spectacular.

Sponsored Ad

Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage Advice

Person pouring yellow cake batter into a metal pan on a kitchen counter, with a black teapot in the background; focused on cooking.

Let the cake cool completely before pouring on the milk mixture — this helps it absorb evenly.
Use a fork or skewer to poke lots of small holes, ensuring that creamy goodness seeps through every bite.
Don’t rush the soaking process — refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
For added flavor, substitute a splash of rum or coffee liqueur into the milk mixture.
Always whip your cream just until stiff peaks form — over-mixing turns it into butter!
For an extra indulgent touch, dust the top with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate instead of cinnamon.
Keep the cake chilled until ready to serve — it’s best served cold.
Fresh fruit makes a stunning garnish — strawberries, raspberries, or even tropical mango slices.
This cake actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have fully melded.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days — but it rarely lasts that long!

Sponsored Ad

Unique Recipe Qualities

Pouring creamy batter onto a cake in a metal pan on a tray. A hand holds a saucepan in a kitchen setting with warm lighting.

Classic Latin dessert with timeless appeal.
Light, airy sponge that absorbs flavor beautifully.
Simple ingredients, luxurious texture.
Homemade whipped cream adds a fresh, creamy finish.
Cinnamon gives warmth and balance to the sweetness.
Perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and holidays.
Customizable with fruit, chocolate, or nuts.
Feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Stunning presentation — effortlessly elegant.
The ultimate “wow” dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Amazon Affiliate Link

🎉 Exciting News for Wine Cheese Scallops! 🎉 We’re now officially Amazon Affiliates! If you’re planning any Amazon shopping, you can support our blog just by using our link – no extra cost to you, no matter what you’re buying! 🛒💖

🔗 AMAZON.COM 🔗

So whether it’s kitchen gadgets, books, holiday gifts, or anything else you need, every purchase through our link helps us keep sharing delicious recipes, foodie tips, and restaurant finds! 🌟 Thank you for being part of our journey!

Tres Leches Cake

Slice of cake with creamy frosting, topped with mint, next to a sliced strawberry on a gray plate. Dark blurred background.

Ingredients:

Unsalted butter, for the pan
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
6 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
2 cups heavy cream
One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling
One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Whipped cream (see below)
Sliced fresh strawberries and mint leaves, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat eggs and sugar on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and pale in color (6–7 minutes).
Reduce speed to low, then add 2 teaspoons vanilla and mix until just combined.
Add half of the dry ingredients, followed by the milk, then the remaining dry mixture, mixing until smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 28–35 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely, about 1 hour.
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together heavy cream, evaporated milk, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool 5–8 minutes.
Using a fork, poke holes evenly across the cooled cake.
Whisk sweetened condensed milk and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla into the milk mixture.
Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
When ready to serve, top with whipped cream, sprinkle with cinnamon, and garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves, if desired.

Homemade Whipped Cream:In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat 1 pint heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Start on low speed, then increase to high and beat for 2–3 minutes, until soft peaks form. (Do not overmix — it will turn to butter!)

Storage:Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Dessert on a blue plate with cinnamon, mint, and a strawberry garnish. Gold fork and spoon on a wooden table with multicolored cloths.

MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE

We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!