Tres Leches Cake

4.67 from 6 votes

Published on June 14, 2023

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Tres Leche Cake Recipe is very simple but always the first dessert to disappear at parties. From the moist cake to the decadent whipped topping, this recipe does not disappoint.

The Best Tres Leches Cake Recipe:

This delicious cake recipe is made with 3 different kinds of milk. It light, soft and the best cake you will ever make. This cake recipe is not overly sweet but is always a crowd favorite.

If you are looking for a cake to bring to your next potluck or holiday dinner, make this Tres Leches Cake. It is the perfect cake to make ahead of time and is made with simple ingredients.

Creamy, delicious and full of flavor cake that is delicious topped with whipped cream and slice strawberries.

What does Tres Leche mean?

It literally means 3 types of milk cake. The recipe has sweetened condensed milk, whole milk and evaporated milk.

Needless to say it is super moist and so rich and delicious. It is the perfect dessert to make for Cinco de Mayo.

What Does Tres Leches Cake taste like?

It reminds me of a sponge cake that is light and soaked with lots of delicious milk mixture. You won’t find a dry cake here with each bite being soaked with so much tasty goodness.

The whipped cream mixture on top is the perfect complement to the cake. We like to add berries on top but this is optional.

The perfect bite for me would be a little cake, some whipped cream topping and a bite of strawberry. It does not get any better. You might also like our Tres Leche Cupcakes Recipe.

What supplies do you need?

9×13 pan – This is the perfect size of pan to make this cake. I like the ones with the lid so I can easily store in the fridge. Another option for cookouts or potlucks would be one of these disposable pans here.
Stand mixer or a hand-held mixer – Either will work just fine. I tend to use my stand mixer because it is normally already on the counter.

Ingredients:

Cake:

Yellow Cake Mix
Large Eggs Yolks
Milk – Whole milk is best in this recipe.
Vanilla Extract

Milk Mixture:

Sweetened Condensed Milk – Try our Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
Evaporated Milk
Heavy Whipping Cream

Topping:

Heavy Whipping Cream
Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Fresh Sliced Strawberries – optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Tres Leche Cake:

Step 1 – Heat Oven – Go ahead and preheat your oven and spray your 9×13 pan.

Step 2 – Get started making the cake. Put the cake mix, eggs and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Use your mixer to make sure it is well combined.

Step 3 – Pour in Pan – Next, pour in the pan and bake. Make sure it is uncovered and after about 30 minutes. I like to insert a toothpick into the center to make sure it comes out clean.

Step 4 – Cool Cake – Let the cake cool once you remove it from the oven. While, you are waiting for the cake to cool, make the milk mixture.

Step 5 – Combine Milk Mixture – Simply combine all three of the milk ingredients. It is that simple.

Step 5 – Poke Holes – By now your cake should be cool and you can start poking holes all over the cake. They should be evenly placed around the cake so each area of cake gets soaked with the yummy mixture.

Step 6 – Use Wooden Spoon – I normally use the end of a wooden spoon. But you can use a fork or skewer to do this.

Step 7 – Pour Milk Mixture – Pour the milk mixture all over the cake. Make sure it seeps down in all the holes. This is what makes the cake amazing!

Step 8 – Add Toppings – Spread the topping all over the cake when you are ready to serve. Add strawberries and you are set. Blueberries are good as well or even both!

Slice of Tres Leche Cake in a baking dish

How to Make Tres Leche Cake Topping:

You only need a few simple ingredients to make the topping for the Tres Leche Cake.

Just beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla with a mixer. You will know it’s ready when soft stiff peaks form.
Once mixed together spread the topping over the cake and top with slice strawberries.

Tres Leche Cake Recipe Tips:

Refrigerate Cake – The cake needs to be refrigerated so it can soak up the mixture and really let the flavors blend. Overnight is best but if you are in a hurry, a couple of hours will do.
Poking Cake – Make sure when poking the holes you are generous and don’t leave out any section of the cake. This is how the delicious mixtures gets into the cake.
Topping the cake – I like to push the milk mixture into the holes as I spread it around. This gives the cake the best flavor.
Poke Holes with handle of a Wooden Spoon – You can use anything you prefer to poke holes. But a wooden spoon works great. This is the perfect size for making the holes in the cake.
Room Temperature Cake – After baking the cake, you want to make it has cooled to room temperature before adding the frosting.
Cake Mix – We used a yellow cake mix for this recipe. But feel free to make your own cake with milk and vanilla, egg whites, flour, baking powder and salt. Using a cake mix makes this recipe so easy.

How to Store Cake:

You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can you Make this Tres Leche Cake in advance?

The cake can be made in advance but I would wait to add the toppings until right before serving. Otherwise, it will be soggy.

While the cake will last up to 5 days in the fridge, it is best served initially within 24 hours. I would suggest not making this any sooner than a day ahead.